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Abstract:

Systems, devices, methods, and compositions are described for providing
an actively-controllable disinfecting implantable device configured to,
for example, treat or prevent an infection in a biological subject.

Claims:

1. An at least partially implantable catheter device, comprising: a body
structure having an outer surface and an inner surface defining one or
more fluid-flow passageways, the body structure having a plurality of
actuatable regions that are independently actuatable between at least a
first transmissive state and a second transmissive state; one or more
sensors configured to detect at least one characteristic associated with
a biological sample proximate at least one of the outer surface or the
inner surface of the body structure; and one or more energy emitters
configured to emit an energy stimulus based at least in part on at least
one detected characteristic associated with the biological sample.

2. The at least partially implantable catheter device of claim 1, wherein
the plurality of actuatable regions are energetically actuatable between
the at least first transmissive state and the second transmissive state.

3. The at least partially implantable catheter device of claim 1, wherein
the plurality of actuatable regions are configured to actuate
electrochemically between the at least first transmissive state and the
second transmissive state.

4. The at least partially implantable catheter device of claim 1, wherein
the plurality of actuatable regions are UV-actuatable between the at
least first transmissive state and the second transmissive state.

5. The at least partially implantable catheter device of claim 1, wherein
the plurality of actuatable regions are photochemically actuatable
between the at least first transmissive state and the second transmissive
state.

6. (canceled)

7. The at least partially implantable catheter device of claim 1, wherein
the plurality of actuatable regions are acoustically actuatable between
the at least first transmissive state and the second transmissive state.

8.-11. (canceled)

12. The at least partially implantable catheter device of claim 1,
further comprising: one or more actively controllable reflective or
transmissive components configured to outwardly transmit or internally
reflect an energy stimulus propagated therethrough.

13. The at least partially implantable catheter device of claim 1,
further comprising: a computing device operably coupled to one or more of
the plurality of actuatable regions, the computing device configured to
cause a change between the at least first transmissive state and the
second transmissive based on detected information from the one or more
sensors.

14. The at least partially implantable catheter device of claim 1,
further comprising: a computing device operably coupled to one or more of
the plurality of actuatable regions, the computing device configured to
cause a change between a transmissive state and a reflective state based
on detected information from the one or more sensors.

15. The at least partially implantable catheter device of claim 1,
further comprising: at least one computing device operably coupled to one
or more of the plurality of actuatable regions and configured to actuate
one or more of the plurality of actuatable regions between the at least
first transmissive state and the second transmissive state based on a
comparison of a detected characteristic associated with the biological
sample proximate at least one of the outer surface or the inner surface
of the body structure.

16.-19. (canceled)

20. The at least partially implantable catheter device of claim 1,
wherein the one or more sensors include one or more Bayer sensors.

21. The at least partially implantable catheter device of claim 1,
wherein the one or more sensors include one or more Foveon sensors.

22. (canceled)

23. The at least partially implantable catheter device of claim 1,
wherein the one or more sensors include one or more density sensors.

24.-28. (canceled)

29. The at least partially implantable catheter device of claim 1,
wherein the one or more sensors include a light transmissive support and
a reflective metal layer.

30.-34. (canceled)

35. The at least partially implantable catheter device of claim 1,
wherein the one or more sensors include one or more functionalized
cantilevers.

36. The at least partially implantable catheter device of claim 1,
wherein the one or more sensors include a biological molecule capture
layer.

37. The at least partially implantable catheter device of claim 36,
wherein the biological molecule capture layer includes an array of
different binding molecules that specifically bind one or more target
molecules.

38. (canceled)

39. The at least partially implantable catheter device of claim 1,
wherein at least one of the one or more sensors is configured to detect
at least one of an emitted energy or a remitted energy, and to generate a
response based on the detected at least one of the emitted energy or the
remitted energy.

40. (canceled)

41. The at least partially implantable catheter device of claim 1,
further comprising: one or more optical materials on at least a portion
of a body structure to internally reflect at least a portion of an
emitted energy stimulus from the one or more energy emitters into an
interior of at least one of the one or more fluid-flow passageways.

42. The at least partially implantable catheter device of claim 1,
wherein at least a portion of the body structure includes an optical
material that internally directs at least a portion of an emitted energy
stimulus along a substantially longitudinal direction of at least one of
the one or more fluid-flow passageways.

43. The at least partially implantable catheter device of claim 1,
wherein at least a portion of the body structure includes an optical
material that internally directs at least a portion of an emitted energy
stimulus along a substantially lateral direction of at least one of the
one or more fluid-flow passageways.

44. (canceled)

45. The at least partially implantable catheter device of claim 1,
wherein at least a portion of the body structure includes a reflective
surface capable of reflecting at least about 50 percent of an energy
stimulus emitted by the one or more energy emitters that impinges on the
reflective surface.

46. The at least partially implantable catheter device of claim 1,
wherein at least a portion of the body structure includes a reflective
surface that is reflective at a first wavelength and transmissive at a
second wavelength different from the first wavelength.

47. The at least partially implantable catheter device of claim 1,
wherein at least a portion of the body structure includes one or more
internally reflective components configured to manage a delivery of
light, and to manage a collection of at least one of a reflected light, a
scattered light, and emitted light from a biological sample proximate at
least one of the outer surface or the inner surface of the body
structure.

48. The at least partially implantable catheter device of claim 1,
wherein at least a portion of the body structure includes at least one of
an outer surface or an inner surface that is reflective to at least one
of electromagnetic energy, acoustic energy, or thermal energy.

49.-51. (canceled)

52. The at least partially implantable catheter device of claim 1,
wherein at least a portion of the body structure includes a surface
having a reflective coating.

53. (canceled)

54. (canceled)

55. The at least partially implantable catheter device of claim 1,
wherein at least a portion of the body structure includes a reflective
material.

56. (canceled)

57. The at least partially implantable catheter device of claim 1,
wherein one or more of plurality of actuatable regions are independently
actuatable between at least a first transmissive state and a second
transmissive state via at least one acoustically active material.

58. The at least partially implantable catheter device of claim 1,
wherein one or more of plurality of actuatable regions are independently
actuatable between at least a first transmissive state and a second
transmissive state via at least one electro-mechanical switch.

59. The at least partially implantable catheter device of claim 1,
wherein one or more of plurality of actuatable regions are independently
actuatable between at least a first transmissive state and a second
transmissive state via at least one electro-optic switch.

60. The at least partially implantable catheter device of claim 1,
wherein one or more of plurality of actuatable regions are independently
actuatable between at least a first transmissive state and a second
transmissive state via at least one acousto-optic switch.

61. The at least partially implantable catheter device of claim 1,
wherein one or more of plurality of actuatable regions are independently
actuatable between at least a first transmissive state and a second
transmissive state via at least one optical switch.

Description:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is related to and claims the benefit of the
earliest available effective filing dates from the following listed
applications (the "Related applications") (e.g., claims earliest
available priority dates for other than provisional patent applications
or claims benefits under 35 U.S.C. §116(e) for provisional patent
applications, for any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent,
etc. applications of the Related applications). All subject matter of the
Related applications and of any and all parent, grandparent,
great-grandparent, etc. applications of the Related applications is
incorporated herein by reference to the extent such subject matter is not
inconsistent herewith.

[0003] For purposes of the United States Patent and Trademark Office
(USPTO) extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes
a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/973,010,
titled VASCULATURE AND LYMPHATIC SYSTEM IMAGING AND ABLATION, naming
Roderick A. Hyde; Edward K. Y. Jung; Nathan P. Myhrvold; Clarence T.
Tegreene; Willard H. Wattenburg; Lowell L. Wood, Jr.; and Richard N. Zare
as inventors, filed 3, Oct., 2007, which is currently co-pending or is an
application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to
the benefit of the filing date.

[0034] The USPTO has published a notice to the effect that the USPTO's
computer programs require that patent applicants reference both a serial
number and indicate whether an application is a continuation or
continuation-in-part. Stephen G. Kunin, Benefit of Prior-Filed
Application, USPTO Official Gazette Mar. 18, 2003, available at
http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/sol/og/2003/week11/patbene.htm. The
present Applicant Entity (hereinafter "Applicant") has provided above a
specific reference to the application(s) from which priority is being
claimed as recited by statute. Applicant understands that the statute is
unambiguous in its specific reference language and does not require
either a serial number or any characterization, such as "continuation" or
"continuation-in-part," for claiming priority to U.S. patent
applications. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Applicant understands that
the USPTO's computer programs have certain data entry requirements, and
hence Applicant is designating the present application as a
continuation-in-part of its parent applications as set forth above, but
expressly points out that such designations are not to be construed in
any way as any type of commentary and/or admission as to whether or not
the present application contains any new matter in addition to the matter
of its parent application(s).

[0035] All subject matter of the Related applications and of any and all
parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the Related
applications is incorporated herein by reference to the extent such
subject matter is not inconsistent herewith.

SUMMARY

[0036] In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other
things, a catheter device. In an embodiment, the catheter device includes
a body structure having an outer surface and an inner surface defining
one or more fluid-flow passageways. In an embodiment, the catheter device
includes a plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides operably
coupled to one or more energy emitters and configured to direct
electromagnetic energy to one or more regions near or on the catheter
device. For example, in an embodiment, selected ones of the plurality of
selectively actuatable energy waveguides are actuated to direct a
patterned electromagnetic energy stimulus to one or more regions
proximate (e.g., on, near, or the like) at least one of the outer surface
or the inner surface of the body structure.

[0037] In an embodiment, the plurality of selectively actuatable energy
waveguides are operably coupled to one or more energy emitters via at
least one optical router. In an embodiment, the optical router is
configured to create a translucent optical connection from the one or
more energy emitters to selective ones of the plurality of selectively
actuatable energy waveguides. Such a connection allows electromagnetic
energy to flow from the one or more energy emitters to selected ones of
the plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides. In an
embodiment, the optical router is actuated via one or more
mechanical-optic components, electro-optic components, or acousto-optic
components. In an embodiment, the catheter device includes an overmoded
electromagnetic energy waveguide photonically coupled to one or more of
the plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides. In an
embodiment, the overmoded electromagnetic energy waveguide is configured
to actuate one or more of the plurality of selectively actuatable energy
waveguides.

[0038] In an embodiment, the catheter device includes at least one
reflective surface forming part of at least a portion of the body
structure that is reflective at a first wavelength and transmissive at a
second wavelength different from the first wavelength. In an embodiment,
the catheter device includes at least one reflective surface forming part
of at least a portion of the body structure that is reflective at a first
polarization and transmissive at a second polarization. In an embodiment,
the catheter device includes at least one reflective surface forming part
of at least a portion of the body structure that is reflective at a first
power level and transmissive at a second power level.

[0039] In an embodiment, the catheter device includes one or more
internally reflective components forming part of at least a portion of
the body structure. For example, in an embodiment, the catheter device
includes at least one of an outer internally reflective coating and an
inner internally reflective coating configured to internally reflect at
least a portion of an emitted energy stimulus within an interior of at
least one of the one or more fluid-flow passageways.

[0040] In an embodiment, the internally reflective components are
configured to manage a delivery of interrogation energy to a sample and
configured to manage a collection of emitted interrogation energy or
remitted interrogation energy from the sample. For example, in an
embodiment, the internally reflective components are configured to direct
electromagnetic energy to a sample within at least one of the one or more
fluid-flow passageways and further configured to manage a collection of a
spectral response to the interrogation energy from the sample.

[0041] In an embodiment, the catheter device includes one or more optical
materials forming part of at least a portion of the body structure. In an
embodiment, the one or more optical materials are configured to limit an
amount of the energy stimulus that can traverse within the one or more
fluid-flow passageways and through the outer surface of the body
structure. In an embodiment, the catheter device includes one or more
optical materials on at least a portion of the body structure that
reflect an emitted energy stimulus within an interior of at least one of
the one or more fluid-flow passageways. In an embodiment, the catheter
device includes an optical component that directs at least a portion of
an emitted energy stimulus from the one or more energy emitters to one or
more of the plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides. In an
embodiment, the catheter device includes one or more proximal catheters,
distal catheters, or flow-regulating devices having one or more
fluid-flow passageways extending through an interior of the one or more
proximal catheters, distal catheters, or flow-regulating devices.

[0042] In an embodiment, the catheter device includes a power source
having at least one of a thermoelectric generator, a piezoelectric
generator, an electromechanical generator, or a biomechanical-energy
harvesting generator. In an embodiment, the catheter device includes one
or more sensors for detecting a microbial presence in one or more regions
proximate at least one of the outer surface of the body structure, the
inner surface of the body structure, or within at least one of the one or
more fluid flow passageways. In an embodiment, the catheter device
includes a computing device operably coupled to at least one of the
plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides, the one or more
sensors, the power source, as well as other components of the catheter
device. In an embodiment, the computing device actuates one or more of
the plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides in response to
detected information from the one or more sensors. In an embodiment, the
computing device actuates one or more of the plurality of selectively
actuatable energy waveguides in response to a scheduled program, an
external command, a history of a previous microbial presence, or a
history of a previous actuation.

[0043] In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other
things, a catheter device including an energy emitter component that
delivers optical energy to one or more regions proximate the catheter
device. In an embodiment, the catheter device includes a sensor component
and one or more computer-readable memory media having biofilm marker
information configured as a data structure. In an embodiment, the data
structure includes a characteristic information section having
characteristic microbial colonization spectral information representative
of the presence of a microbial colonization proximate the catheter
device. In an embodiment, the sensor component is operable to detect at
least one of an electromagnetic energy, a thermal energy, or an acoustic
energy from one or more regions proximate the catheter device and to
generate a first response based on the detected energy. In an embodiment,
the generated first response includes comparing detect at least one of
the electromagnetic energy, the thermal energy, or the acoustic energy to
the biofilm marker information and initiating a treatment protocol based
on the comparison. In an embodiment, the catheter device includes at
least one transmitter for sending information based at least in part on
detecting at least one of the electromagnetic energy, the thermal energy,
or the acoustic energy. In an embodiment, the catheter device includes at
least one transmitter configured to send a request for transmission of at
least one of data, a command, an authorization, an update, or a code. In
an embodiment, the catheter device includes circuitry configured to
obtain information and circuitry configured to store the obtained
information. In an embodiment, the catheter device includes a
cryptographic logic component.

[0044] In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other
things, a system including a catheter device having a plurality of
independently addressable energy emitting components disposed along a
longitudinal axis of the catheter device. In an embodiment, the plurality
of independently addressable energy emitting components are configured to
direct an emitted energy stimulus to one or more regions proximate at
least one of the outer surface or the inner surface of the body
structure. In an embodiment, the system further includes circuitry
configured to determine a microorganism colonization event in one or more
regions proximate at least one of the outer surface or the inner surface
of the body structure. In an embodiment, the system further includes
actuating means for concurrently or sequentially actuating two or more of
the plurality of independently addressable energy emitting components in
one or more regions determined to have a microorganism colonization
event.

[0045] In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other
things, a catheter device. In an embodiment, the catheter device includes
one or more selectively actuatable energy waveguides extending over a
portion of a surface of a body structure. In an embodiment, the one or
more selectively actuatable energy waveguides are configured to direct an
emitted energy stimulus from one or more energy emitters to one or more
regions proximate the surface of the body structure. In an embodiment,
the catheter device includes one or more sensors and one or more switches
associated with one or more of the selectively actuatable energy
waveguides. In an embodiment, the one or more sensors are configured to
detect a spectral property associated with the presence of a microbial
colonization in one or more regions proximate the surface of the body
structure. For example, in an embodiment, at least one sensor is
configured to detect a change to a refractive index associated with the
presence of a microbial colonization. In an embodiment, the switches are
configured to establish or interrupt a connection between the selectively
actuatable energy waveguides and respective ones of the one or more
energy emitters based on the detected spectral property.

[0046] In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other
things, a method of inhibiting a microbial colonization of a partially or
completely implanted catheter device. In an embodiment, the method
includes generating an evanescent electromagnetic field proximate one or
more regions of at least one of an outer surface or an inner surface of a
body structure of the partially or completely implanted catheter device
based on an automatically detected spectral parameter indicative of the
presence of an infectious agent.

[0047] In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other
things, a method of modulating microbial activity proximate a surface of
an at least partially implanted catheter device. In an embodiment, the
method includes generating a spatially patterned evanescent
electromagnetic field proximate one or more surface regions of the at
least partially implanted catheter device based on a detected change to a
refractive index property associated with the one or more surface regions
of the at least partially implanted catheter device.

[0048] In an aspect, a method includes, among other things, selectively
energizing a plurality of regions proximate a surface of an implanted
portion of a catheter device via one or more energy-emitting components
in response to real-time detected information associated with a
biological sample within one or more regions proximate the surface of the
implanted portion of the catheter device. In an embodiment, the method
further includes determining a microbial colonization score in response
to real-time detected information. In an embodiment, the method further
includes energetically interrogating the one or more regions proximate
the surface of the implanted portion of the catheter device based on the
determined microbial colonization score.

[0049] In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other
things, a method of inhibiting biofilm formation in a catheter device. In
an embodiment, the method includes actuating one or more selectively
actuatable energy waveguides of an at least partially implanted catheter
device in response to an in vivo detected change in a refractive index
parameter associated with a biological sample proximate an outer surface
or an inner surface of the catheter device.

[0050] In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other
things, an at least partially implantable catheter device including a
body structure having a plurality of actuatable regions that are
independently actuatable between at least a first transmissive state and
a second transmissive state. In an embodiment, the at least partially
implantable catheter device includes one or more sensors for detecting at
least one characteristic associated with a biological sample proximate at
least one of an outer surface or an inner surface of the body structure.
In an embodiment, the at least partially implantable catheter device
includes one or more energy emitters configured to emit an energy
stimulus based at least in part on at least one detected characteristic
associated with the biological sample.

[0051] In an embodiment, the at least partially implantable catheter
device includes one or more actively controllable reflective or
transmissive components for outwardly transmitting or internally
reflecting an energy stimulus propagated therethrough. In an embodiment,
the at least partially implantable catheter device includes one or more
optical materials on a portion of a body structure to internally reflect
at least a portion of an emitted energy stimulus from the one or more
energy emitters into an interior of at least one fluid-flow passageway.

[0052] In an embodiment, the at least partially implantable catheter
device includes a computing device operably coupled to at least one of
the plurality of actuatable regions, the actively controllable reflective
or transmissive components, or the energy emitters. In an embodiment, the
computing device causes a change between the first and the second
transmissive states based on detected information from the one or more
sensors. For example, in an embodiment, the computing device causes a
change between a transmissive state and a reflective state based on
detected information from the one or more sensors. In an embodiment, the
computing device actuates one or more of the plurality of actuatable
regions between the at least first transmissive state and the second
transmissive state based on a comparison of a detected characteristic
associated with the biological sample proximate the body structure.

[0053] In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other
things, a catheter device including a body structure having one or more
surface regions that are configured to controllably actuate between at
least a first wettability state and a second wettability state. In an
embodiment, the catheter device includes a computing device operably
coupled to the surface regions and configured to controllably actuate the
surface regions between at least a first wettability state and a second
wettability state. For example, in an embodiment, the computing device is
configured to cause a change between a first wettability state and a
second wettability state based on detected information indicating a
presence of an infectious agent near or on the catheter device.

[0054] In an embodiment, the catheter device includes an actively
controllable excitation component configured to deliver, in vivo, an
energy stimulus to one or more regions proximate at least one of the
outer surface or the inner surface of the body structure. In an
embodiment, the actively controllable excitation component is configured
to deliver, concurrently or sequentially, at least a first energy
stimulus or a second energy stimulus. In an embodiment, the first energy
stimulus comprises an electromagnetic energy stimulus, an electrical
energy stimulus, an acoustic energy stimulus, or a thermal energy
stimulus, and the second energy stimulus comprises a different one of an
electromagnetic energy stimulus, an electrical energy stimulus, an
acoustic energy stimulus, or a thermal energy stimulus.

[0055] In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other
things, a method of inhibiting biofilm formation. In an embodiment, the
method includes actuating one or more surface regions of a catheter
device between at least a first wettability state and a second
wettability state in response to a detected event associate with a
microbial colonization proximate one or more surface regions of a
catheter device.

[0056] In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other
things, a catheter device including a body structure having an outer
surface and an inner surface defining one or more fluid-flow passageway
and one or more actuatable energy waveguides. In an embodiment, the one
or more actuatable energy waveguides are configured to direct an emitted
energy stimulus to one or more regions proximate at least one of the
outer surface or the inner surface of the body structure, and to deliver
a patterned energy stimulus to the one or more regions proximate at least
one of the outer surface or the inner surface of the body structure. In
an embodiment, the catheter device includes an active agent assembly
including at least one reservoir. In an embodiment, the active agent
assembly is configured to deliver one or more active agents from the at
least one reservoir to one or more regions proximate at least one of the
outer surface or the inner surface of the body structure.

[0057] In an embodiment, the catheter device includes control circuitry
operably coupled to the one or more actuatable energy waveguides and
configured to control at least one of a spaced-apart configuration
parameter, an electromagnetic energy spatial distribution parameter, or
an electromagnetic energy temporal distribution parameter associated with
the delivery of the patterned energy stimulus. In an embodiment, the
catheter device includes a computing device operably coupled to the one
or more actuatable energy waveguides and configured to control at least
one of a delivery regiment, a spatial distribution, or a temporal
distribution associated with the delivery of the patterned energy
stimulus.

[0058] In an embodiment, the catheter device includes one or more sensors
configured to detect at least one characteristic associated one or more
regions proximate at least one of the outer surface or the inner surface
of the body structure. In an embodiment, the catheter device includes a
plurality of spaced-apart-release-ports operably coupled to at least one
computing device. In an embodiment, the computing device is configured to
actuate one or more of the plurality of spaced-apart-release-ports
between an active agent discharge state and an active agent retention
state based on a comparison of a detected characteristic to stored
reference data. In an embodiment, the catheter device includes at least
one receiver configured to acquire information based at least in part on
whether a detect optical energy from one or more regions proximate at
least one of the outer surface or the inner surface of the body structure
satisfies a target condition.

[0059] In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other
things, a method of inhibiting a microbial colonization of a surface on
an implanted portion of a catheter device. In an embodiment, the method
includes selectively energizing one or more regions proximate at least
one of an outer surface or an inner surface of the implanted portion of
the catheter device via one or more energy-emitting components. In an
embodiment, the method includes delivering an active agent composition to
the one or more regions proximate one or more surfaces of the implanted
portion of the catheter device, via one or more active agent assemblies,
in response to an automatically detected measurand associated with
biological sample proximate the one or more surfaces of the implanted
portion.

[0060] In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other
things, an at least partially implantable fluid management system. In an
embodiment, the at least partially implantable fluid management system
includes a catheter device having a body structure having at least an
outer surface and an inner surface defining one or more fluid-flow
passageways. In an embodiment, the at least partially implantable fluid
management system includes a plurality of independently activatable
ultraviolet energy delivering substrates configured to deliver a
sterilizing energy stimulus to one or more regions proximate at least one
of the outer surface or the inner surface of the body structure. In an
embodiment, the plurality of independently activatable ultraviolet energy
delivering substrates define at least a portion of at least one of the
outer surface or the inner surface of the body structure.

[0061] In an embodiment, the at least partially implantable fluid
management system includes a sensor component including one or more
sensors configured to detect a microbial presences proximate at least one
of the outer surface or the inner surface of the body structure. In an
embodiment, the at least partially implantable fluid management system
includes a computing device operably coupled to the plurality of
independently activatable ultraviolet energy delivering substrates, and
configured to activate one or more of the plurality of independently
activatable ultraviolet energy delivering substrates in response to
detected microbial presence information from the sensor component.

[0062] In an aspect, a method includes, but is not limited to,
concurrently or sequentially delivering to one or more regions proximate
a surface of a catheter device a spatially patterned sterilizing energy
stimulus via a plurality of independently activatable ultraviolet energy
delivering substrates. In an embodiment, the plurality of independently
activatable ultraviolet energy delivering substrates are configured to
independently activate in response to a real-time detected measurand
associated with a biological sample within the one or more regions
proximate the surface of the catheter device.

[0063] In an aspect, a method includes, but is not limited to,
concurrently or sequentially delivering to one or more regions proximate
a surface of a catheter device a temporally patterned sterilizing energy
stimulus via a plurality of independently activatable ultraviolet energy
delivering substrates. In an embodiment, the plurality of independently
activatable ultraviolet energy delivering substrates are configured to
independently activate in response to a real-time detected measurand
associated with at least one of temporal metabolite information or
spatial metabolite information associated with a biological sample within
the one or more regions proximate the surface of the catheter device.

[0064] In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other
things, a catheter device having a body structure defining one or more
catheters. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the body structure
includes one or more self-cleaning surface regions. For example, in an
embodiment, the catheter device includes one or more self-cleaning
surface regions having structural components or coatings that modulate
(e.g., inhibit, etc.) the adherence of biofilms. In an embodiment, the
catheter device includes one or more self-cleaning surface regions
including a self-cleaning coating composition.

[0065] In an embodiment, the catheter device further includes one or more
selectively actuatable energy waveguides configured to direct an emitted
energy stimulus to one or more regions proximate at least one of an outer
surface or an inner surface of the one or more catheters. In an
embodiment, the catheter device includes one or more energy emitters
operatively coupled to the one or more selectively actuatable energy
waveguides and configured to emit an energy stimulus.

[0066] In an aspect, a method includes, but is not limited to,
automatically comparing one or more characteristics communicated from a
catheter device to stored reference data. In an embodiment, the one or
more characteristics include at least one of information associated with
a microbial colonization proximate the catheter device, information
associated with an infection marker detected proximate the catheter
device, or information associated with a sample received within one or
more fluid-flow passageways of the catheter device. In an embodiment, the
method includes initiating a treatment protocol based at least in part on
the comparison.

[0067] In an embodiment, the method includes selectively energizing one or
more regions proximate the surface on an implanted portion of the
catheter device via one or more energy-emitting components based at least
in part on the comparison. In an embodiment, the method includes
selectively energizing one or more regions proximate the surface on an
implanted portion of the catheter device via one or more selectively
actuatable energy waveguides configured to direct an emitted energy
stimulus to one or more regions proximate at least one of the outer
surface or the inner surface of the body structure. In an embodiment, the
method includes selectively energizing one or more regions proximate the
surface on an implanted portion of the catheter device determined to have
a microbial colonization based at least in part on the comparison.

[0068] In an aspect, a method includes, but is not limited to,
electronically comparing one or more characteristics communicated from an
implanted catheter device to stored reference data, the one or more
characteristics including at least one of an in vivo detected microbial
colonization presence proximate a surface of the implanted catheter
device, an in vivo real-time detected infection marker presence proximate
a surface of the implanted catheter device, and in vivo detected
measurand associated with a biofilm-specific tag. In an embodiment, the
method includes initiating a treatment protocol based at least in part on
the comparison.

[0069] In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other
things, a catheter device. In an embodiment, the catheter device includes
a body structure and one or more acoustically actuatable electromagnetic
energy waveguides configured to direct an emitted energy stimulus to one
or more regions proximate the body structure. In an embodiment, the
catheter device includes one or more energy emitters operatively coupled
to the one or more acoustically actuatable electromagnetic energy
waveguides.

[0070] In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other
things, a method of inhibiting biofilm formation in catheter device. In
an embodiment, the method includes acoustically modulating one or more
internally reflecting optical waveguides so as to partially emit an
electromagnetic energy propagating within the one or more internally
reflecting optical waveguides through at least one of an outer surface or
an inner surface of the catheter device. In an embodiment, the method
includes applying an acoustic energy stimulus to the one or more
internally reflecting optical waveguides of a character and for a
sufficient duration to affect at least one of an index of refraction or a
physical dimension of the one or more internally reflecting optical
waveguides.

[0071] In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other
things, a method of inhibiting biofilm formation in a catheter device. In
an embodiment, the method includes selectively actuating one or more
optical waveguides so as to partially emit an electromagnetic energy
propagating within the one or more optical waveguides through at least
one of an outer surface or an inner surface of the catheter device. In an
embodiment, the method includes selectively actuating the one or more
optical waveguides in response to real-time detected information
associated with a microbial colonization in one or more regions proximate
at least one of an outer surface or an inner surface of the catheter
device.

[0072] In an aspect, a method includes, but is not limited to, detecting a
measurand associated with a microbial presence proximate at a surface of
a catheter device using an interrogation energy having a first peak
emission wavelength. In an embodiment, the method includes delivering a
sterilizing stimulus having a second peak emission wavelength different
from the first peak emission wavelength to one or more regions proximate
the surface on the catheter device in response to the detecting a
measurand.

[0073] In an aspect, a method includes, but is not limited to, real-time
monitoring of a plurality of portions of a catheter device for a
microbial colonization by detecting spectral information associated with
an interrogating stimulus having a first peak emission wavelength. In an
embodiment, the method includes delivering a sterilizing stimulus having
a second peak emission wavelength different from the first peak emission
wavelength to select ones of the plurality of portions of the catheter
device based on a determined microbial colonization score.

[0074] In an aspect, a method includes, but is not limited to, real-time
monitoring at least one of an outer surface or an inner surface of an
indwelling portion of a catheter device for a microbial colonization by
detecting spectral information associated with an interrogating stimulus
having a first peak emission wavelength. In an embodiment, the method
includes delivering an interrogating stimulus to one or more region
proximate the at least one of the outer surface or the inner surface of
an indwelling portion of a catheter device.

[0075] In an embodiment, the method includes determining a microbial
colonization score for the one or more region proximate one or more
surfaces of an indwelling portion of a catheter device in response to
detecting spectral information. In an embodiment, the method includes
selective-delivering a sterilizing stimulus having a second peak emission
wavelength different from the first peak emission wavelength to at least
one of the one or more region proximate one or more surfaces of an
indwelling portion of a catheter device based on a determined microbial
colonization score.

[0076] In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other
things, an implantable catheter device including a plurality of regions
having one or more in vivo selectively removable protective coatings
defining at least a portion of at least one of the outer surface or the
inner surface of the body structure. In an embodiment, the body structure
includes an outer surface or an inner surface defining one or more
fluid-flow passageways and is configured to transmit at least a portion
of an emitted energy stimulus propagated within the body structure though
one or more of a the plurality of regions having had an in vivo
selectively removable protective coating removed. In an embodiment, the
implantable catheter device includes circuitry configured to determine a
microorganism colonization event in one or more of the plurality of
regions having the one or more in vivo selectively removable protective
coatings.

[0077] In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to, among other
things, a catheter device including a body structure a plurality of
selectively actuatable waveguides elements defining at least a portion of
a surface of the body structure. In an embodiment, the selectively
actuatable waveguides elements are configured to guide an emitted
ultraviolet energy stimulus to one or more regions proximate the surface
of the body structure. In an embodiment, the catheter device includes an
active agent assembly including at least one reservoir, the active agent
assembly configured to deliver an ultraviolet energy absorbing agent from
the at least one ultraviolet energy absorbing reservoir to one or more
regions proximate the surface of the body structure. In an embodiment,
one or more of the plurality of selectively actuatable waveguides
elements are configured to guide one or more of an electromagnetic energy
stimulus, an acoustic energy stimulus, an acoustic energy stimulus, and a
thermal energy stimulus.

[0078] In an aspect, a method includes, but is not limited to, delivering
an ultraviolet energy absorbing composition to one or more regions
proximate a surface of a catheter device prior to delivering a patterned
energy stimulus to the one or more regions based on a detected measurand
associated with biological sample proximate the one or more regions.

[0079] In an aspect, a method includes, but is not limited to, delivering
an ultraviolet energy absorbing composition to one or more regions
proximate an implanted portion of a catheter device prior to selectively
energizing the one or more regions in response to a real-time detected
spectral information associated with a microbial presence within the one
or more regions. In an embodiment, the method includes delivering a
sterilizing stimulus to select ones of the one or more regions in
response to the real-time detected spectral information associated with
the microbial presence within the one or more regions.

[0080] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to
be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects,
embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments,
and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the
following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0081] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a system including a catheter
device according to one embodiment.

[0082] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a portion of catheter device
including a fluid-flow passageway according to one embodiment.

[0083] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a system including a catheter
device according to one embodiment.

[0084] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a system including a catheter
device according to one embodiment.

[0085]FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a portion of a catheter device
including plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides
configured to provide a patterned energy stimulus, according to one
embodiment.

[0086] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a system including a catheter
device according to one embodiment.

[0087] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a system including a catheter
device according to one embodiment.

[0088] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a system including a catheter
device according to one embodiment.

[0089] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a system including a catheter
device according to one embodiment.

[0090] FIG. 10A is a flow diagram of a method according to one embodiment.

[0091] FIG. 10B is a flow diagram of a method according to one embodiment.

[0092] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a method according to one embodiment.

[0093] FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C are flow diagrams of a method according to
one embodiment.

[0094] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of a method according to one embodiment.

[0095] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of a method according to one embodiment.

[0096] FIGS. 15A and 15B are flow diagrams of a method according to one
embodiment.

[0097] FIG. 16 is a flow diagram of a method according to one embodiment.

[0098] FIG. 17 is a flow diagram of a method according to one embodiment.

[0099] FIGS. 18A and 18B are flow diagrams of a method according to one
embodiment.

[0100] FIG. 19 is a flow diagram of a method according to one embodiment.

[0101] FIG. 20 is a flow diagram of a method according to one embodiment.

[0102] FIG. 21 is a flow diagram of a method according to one embodiment.

[0103] FIG. 22 is a flow diagram of a method according to one embodiment.

[0104] FIG. 23 is a flow diagram of a method according to one embodiment.

[0105] FIG. 24 is a flow diagram of a method according to one embodiment.

[0106] FIG. 25 is a flow diagram of a method according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0107] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar
symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates
otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed
description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other
embodiments can be utilized, and other changes can be made, without
departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here.

[0109] Infections, malfunctions (e.g., blocked or clogged fluid-flow
passageways, etc.), and failures account for many of the complications
associated with implantable medical devices (e.g., catheter devices,
etc.) and pose tremendous consequences for patients. For example, during
an infection, an infectious agent (e.g., fungi, micro-organisms,
parasites, pathogens (e.g., viral pathogens, bacterial pathogens, or the
like), prions, viroids, viruses, or the like) generally interferes with
the normal functioning of a biological subject, and causes, in some
cases, chronic wounds, necrosis, loss of an infected tissue, loss of an
infected limb, and occasionally death of the biological subject.
Implant-associated infections account for a significant amount of
nosocomial infections and despite sterilization and aseptic procedures,
remain as a major impediment to medical implants including artificial
hearts, artificial joints, artificial prosthetics, breast implants,
catheters, contact lens, implantable biological sample drainage system,
mechanical heart valves, stents, subcutaneous sensors, shunts, vertebral
spacers, or the like. Implant-associated infections are often difficult
to detect, problematic to cure, and at times expensive to manage. For
example, in cases where the infection fails to subside quickly, it
sometimes becomes necessary to remove the implant.

[0110] Implant-associated infections can result from bacterial adhesion
and subsequent biofilm formation proximate an implantation site. For
example, biofilm-forming microorganisms sometimes colonize the surface of
a catheter device. Once a biofilm-induced infection takes hold, it can
prove difficult to treat. In the case of catheters, for example,
infectious agents can make their way from an insertion site into an outer
surface of an indwelling portion of a catheter device. Likewise,
contamination of an outer portion, such as a venous line of catheter
device, can initiate migration of an infectious agent along an internal
passageway. Adherence of infections agents to host proteins, such as
fibronectin, commonly found on catheter components at times worsens the
problem. See e.g., Frasca et al., Critical Care 14:212 1-8 (2010).

[0112] An aspect includes systems, devices, methods, and compositions for
actively detecting, treating, or preventing an infection associated with
an indwelling catheter. An aspect includes systems, devices, and methods
for managing movement of fluids; directly detecting and monitoring
functions or conditions (e.g., mechanical, physical, physiological, or
biochemical functions or conditions) associated with a biological
subject; draining or collecting body fluids; providing access to an
interior of a biological subject; distending at least one passageway; as
well as for administering therapeutics, medications, pharmaceuticals,
intravenous fluids, or parenteral nutrition. A non-limiting example
includes systems, devices, and methods for actively detecting, treating,
or preventing fluid-flow obstructions in catheters.

[0113] FIGS. 1A and 1B show a system 100 (e.g., a catheter system, an
implantable catheter system, an implantable system, an indwelling system,
a partially implantable system, a fluid management system, or the like)
in which one or more methodologies or technologies can be implemented
such as, for example, managing a transport of fluids, providing surgical
access, as well as actively detecting, treating, or preventing an
infection (e.g., an implant-associated infection, a hematogenous
associated infection, an infection present in tissue or biological fluid,
a biofilm formation, a microbial colonization, or the like), a biological
sample abnormality (e.g., a cerebral spinal fluid abnormality, a
hematological abnormality, a tissue abnormality, or the like), or the
like.

[0114] In an embodiment, the system 100 is configured to, among other
things, reduce an in vivo concentration of an infectious agent present in
a biological fluid (e.g., bodily fluid, blood, amniotic fluid, ascites,
bile, cerebrospinal fluid, interstitial fluid, pleural fluid,
transcellular fluid, or the like) managed by the system 100, or a
biological sample proximate one or more components of the system 100. In
an embodiment, the system 100 is configured to provide antimicrobial
therapy.

[0115] In an embodiment, the system 100 includes, among other things, at
least one catheter device 102. In an embodiment, the catheter device 102
includes, among other things, a body structure 104 having an outer
surface 106 and an inner surface 108 defining one or more fluid-flow
passageways 110. In an embodiment, the system 100 is configured to reduce
the concentration of an infectious agent in the immediate vicinity of a
catheter device 102. For example, in an embodiment, the system 100 is
configured to controllably deliver one or more energy stimuli to at least
one of an interior or an exterior of one or more fluid-flow passageways
110 of a catheter device 102 at a dose sufficient to modulate the
activity of the infectious agent in the immediate vicinity of a catheter
device.

[0116] In an embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes, among other
things, one or more catheters 112. In an embodiment, the catheter device
102 is positioned to facilitate the administration of therapeutics,
medications, pharmaceuticals, intravenous fluids, blood products,
parenteral nutrition, or the like. In an embodiment, the catheter device
102 is positioned to provide access for surgical instruments. In an
embodiment, the catheter device 102 is positioned to provide vascular
access. In an embodiment, the catheter device 102 is positioned to
facilitate drainage.

[0117] Among catheters 112, examples include, but are not limited to,
arterial catheters, dialysis catheters, drainage catheters, indwelling
catheters, long term non-tunneled central venous catheters, long term
tunneled central venous catheters, mechanical catheters, peripheral
venous catheters, peripherally insertable central venous catheters,
peritoneal catheters, pulmonary artery Swan-Ganz catheters, short-term
central venous catheters, urinary catheters, ventricular catheters, or
the like. In an embodiment, the body structure 104 includes one or more
catheters 112 each having a proximal portion 114, a distal portion 116,
and at least one inner fluid-flow passageway 110 extending therethrough.
In an embodiment, one or more of the catheters 112 are configured for
insertion into a body cavity, a duct, a vessel, or the like of a subject
in need thereof.

[0118] In an embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes one or more
catheters 112 configured for directly detecting and monitoring
mechanical, physical, or biochemical functions associated with a
biological subject; draining or collecting body fluids; providing access
to an interior of a biological subject; or distending at least one
passageway 110; as well as for administering therapeutics, medications,
pharmaceuticals, intravenous fluids, or nutrition. In an embodiment, the
catheter device 102 includes one or more at least partially implantable
catheters 112. In an embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes one or
more ports 118 configured to provide access to, or from, an interior
environment of at least one of the one or more fluid-flow passageways
110. In an embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes one or more
biocompatible materials, polymeric materials, thermoplastics, silicone
materials (e.g., polydimethysiloxanes), polyvinyl chloride materials,
latex rubber materials, or the like.

[0120] FIG. 2 shows various configurations of a system 100 in which one or
more methodologies or technologies can be implemented. In an embodiment,
the system 100 includes, among other things, at least one catheter device
102 including one or more energy waveguides 202. The energy waveguides
202 can take a variety of shapes, configurations, and geometries
including, but not limited to, cylindrical, conical, planar, parabolic,
regular or irregular forms. In an embodiment, multiple energy waveguides
202 are formed from a single substrate or structure. Non-limiting
examples of energy waveguides 202 include electromagnetic waveguides 204,
acoustic energy waveguides 206 (e.g., ultrasonic energy waveguides),
thermal energy waveguides 208, optical energy waveguides 210 (e.g.,
optical fibers, photonic-crystal fibers, or the like), ultrasound energy
waveguides 212, multi-energy waveguides 214, or the like. Further
non-limiting examples of energy waveguides 202 include lens structures,
light-diffusing structures, mirror structures, mirrored surfaces,
reflective coatings, reflective materials, reflective surfaces, or
combinations thereof. Further non-limiting examples of energy waveguides
202 include etchings, facets, grooves, thin-films, optical micro-prisms,
lenses (e.g., micro-lenses, or the like), diffusing elements, diffractive
elements (e.g., gratings, cross-gratings, or the like), texturing, or the
like. In an embodiment, the energy waveguides 202 include structures
suitable for directing energy waves.

[0121] In an embodiment, one or more of the energy waveguides 202 include
at least one of a transparent, translucent, or light-transmitting
material, and combinations or composites thereof. Among transparent,
translucent, or light-transmitting materials, examples include those
materials that offer a low optical attenuation rate to the transmission
or propagation of light waves. Non-limiting examples of transparent,
translucent, or light-transmitting materials include crystals, epoxies,
glasses, borosilicate glasses, optically clear materials, semi-clear
materials, plastics, thermo plastics, polymers, resins, thermal resins,
or the like, or combinations or composites thereof.

[0122] In an embodiment, the system 100 includes, among other things, a
plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a. For example,
in an embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes a plurality of
selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a that define one or more
portions of the body structure 104. In an embodiment, at least a portion
of the outer surface of the body structure 104 includes one or more of
the plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a. In an
embodiment, at least a portion of the inner surface of the body structure
104 includes one or more of the plurality of selectively actuatable
energy waveguides 202a.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 3, in an embodiment, the system 100 includes,
among other things, a catheter device 102 having body structure 104
configured to sufficiently internally reflect at least a portion of an
emitted energy stimulus 302 and to generate an evanescent field 304
across one or more regions of the body structure 104. In an embodiment,
at least a portion of the body structure 104 includes one or more energy
waveguides 202 configured to sufficiently internally reflect at least a
portion of an emitted energy stimulus 302 and to generate an evanescent
field 304.

[0124] Evanescent fields 304 can be generated, for example, via
diffraction from a grating or a collection of apertures; scattering from
an aperture; or total internal reflection at the interface between two
media See e.g., Smith et. al, Evanescent Wave Imaging in Optical
Lithography, Proc. SPIE 6154, (2006). For example, electromagnetic energy
302 crossing a boundary 306 between materials with different refractive
indices (ni), partially refracts at the boundary surface, and
partially reflects. (See, e.g., FIG. 3). When the incident angle
(θi), exceeds the critical angle of incidence, define as:

θ critical = sin - 1 ( n low n high ) ,
##EQU00001##

the electromagnetic energy traveling from a medium of higher refractive
index (nhigh) to that of a lower one (nlow) undergoes total
internal reflection (see e.g., FIG. 3), and generates an evanescent field
304 near the boundary 306 (the intensity of which decays exponentially
with increasing distance from the surface). In an embodiment, at least a
portion of the body structure 104 is configured to sufficiently
internally reflect at least a portion of an emitted energy stimulus 302
to cause an evanescent electromagnetic field 304 to emanate from at least
a portion of the body structure 104. In an embodiment, at least a portion
of the body structure 104 is configured to internally reflect at least a
portion of an emitted energy stimulus 302 within an interior of at least
one of the one or more fluid-flow passageways 110. In an embodiment, at
least a portion of the body structure 104 is configured to totally
internally reflect at least a portion of an emitted energy stimulus 302
propagated within an interior of at least one of the one or more
fluid-flow passageways.

[0125] In an embodiment, infectious agents 308 cause changes in the local
index of refraction, resulting in changes in the resonance conditions of
the evanescent electromagnetic field 304. In an embodiment, detected
index of refraction changes are correlated to the presence of an
infectious agent.

[0127] In an embodiment, a plurality of energy waveguides 202 are coupled
(e.g., optically coupled, operably coupled, physically coupled, or the
like) to form, for example, an array of energy waveguides 202. In an
embodiment, one or more of the plurality of energy waveguides 202
comprise a laminate including one or more optically active coatings,
materials, or the like. In an embodiment, one or more of the plurality of
energy waveguides 202 direct an emitted energy stimulus to one or more
regions proximate at least one of the outer surface 106 or the inner
surface 108 of the body structure 104. In an embodiment, the plurality of
energy waveguides 202 are arranged to form a part of patterned energy
emitting component 216.

[0128] In an embodiment, the system 100 includes, among other things, a
plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a. In an
embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes a plurality of selectively
actuatable energy waveguides 202a. In an embodiment, the plurality
selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a direct an emitted energy
stimulus to one or more regions proximate at least one of the outer
surface 106 or the inner surface 108 of the body structure 104.

[0129] In an embodiment, the system 100 is configured to, among other
things, treat a condition associated with an infection. For example, in
an embodiment, upon an indication of a presence or severity of an
infection, selected ones of the plurality selectively actuatable energy
waveguides 202a are actuated to deliver an emitted energy stimulus to
modulate microbial activity within those regions having an indication of
a presence or severity of an infection. In an embodiment, the system 100
is configured to, among other things, reduce the risk of infection. In an
embodiment, the system 100 is configured to, among other things, modulate
a microbial colonization.

[0130] In an embodiment, the plurality of selectively actuatable energy
waveguides 202a include one or more acoustic energy waveguides 206 (e.g.,
one or more ultrasound-guiding waveguides, or the like). In an
embodiment, the plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides
202a include one or more thermal energy waveguides 208. In an embodiment,
the plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a include
one or more electrical energy waveguides.

[0131] In an embodiment, the plurality of selectively actuatable energy
waveguides 202a include a light-transmitting material. In an embodiment,
at least one of the plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides
202a includes an electromagnetic energy transmitting material and a
reflective boundary. In an embodiment, at least one of the plurality of
selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a includes an electrical
conducting portion and an electrical insulating portion. In an
embodiment, at least one of the plurality of selectively actuatable
energy waveguides 202a includes a thermal conducting portion and a
thermal insulating portion.

[0132] In an embodiment, the plurality of selectively actuatable energy
waveguides 202a include one or more optical waveguides. In an embodiment,
the selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a include one or more
optical waveguides having one or more ports configured to allow
electromagnetic energy to escape. In an embodiment, the plurality of
selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a include one or more optical
waveguides having distributed light escape along a portion of a length of
the one or more optical waveguides. In an embodiment, the plurality of
selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a include one or more optical
fibers. In an embodiment, one or more of the plurality of selectively
actuatable energy waveguides 202a comprise an optically transparent
material and an optically opaque material.

[0133] In an embodiment, one or more of the plurality of selectively
actuatable energy waveguides 202a are disposed along the outer surface of
the body structure, the inner surface 108 of the body structure 104, or
both. For example, in an embodiment, one or more of the plurality of
selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a form part of the outer
surface 106, to form part of the inner surface 108, or both.

[0134] In an embodiment, the system 100 includes, among other things, at
least one catheter device 102 including one or more acoustically
actuatable electromagnetic energy waveguides. In an embodiment, the one
or more acoustically actuatable electromagnetic energy waveguides direct
an emitted energy stimulus to one or more regions proximate at least one
of an outer surface 106 or an inner surface 108 of the body structure
104.

[0135] In an embodiment, the one or more acoustically actuatable
electromagnetic energy waveguides include at least one of an acoustically
sensitive cladding material; an acoustically sensitive material coating;
or an acoustically deforming material coating. In an embodiment, the one
or more acoustically actuatable electromagnetic energy waveguides are
configured for selective-actuation via one or more transducers. In an
embodiment, the one or more acoustically actuatable electromagnetic
energy waveguides are configured to outwardly transmit a portion of an
electromagnetic energy internally reflected within in the presence of an
acoustic stimulus. In an embodiment, the one or more acoustically
actuatable electromagnetic energy waveguides are configured to deform in
the presence of an acoustic stimulus. In an embodiment, the one or more
acoustically actuatable electromagnetic energy waveguides are configured
to exhibit a change to a refractive index in the presence of an acoustic
stimulus. In an embodiment, the one or more acoustically actuatable
electromagnetic energy waveguides are configured to generate an
evanescent electromagnetic field across one or more regions of the body
structure in the presence of an acoustic stimulus. In an embodiment, the
one or more acoustically actuatable electromagnetic energy waveguides are
operably coupled to one or more acoustic energy emitters.

[0136] Referring to FIG. 4, in an embodiment, the plurality of selectively
actuatable energy waveguides 202a provide a spatially patterned energy
stimulus 402. In an embodiment, the plurality of selectively actuatable
energy waveguides 202a deliver an energy stimulus of a dose sufficient
(e.g., of character and for a duration sufficient, of sufficient strength
or duration, etc.) to provide a spatially patterned energy stimulus to
one or more regions proximate at least a first surface 404 of the body
structure 104.

[0137] In an embodiment, the plurality of selectively actuatable energy
waveguides 202a provide a spatially patterned energy stimulus having at
least a first region 406 and a second region 408 different from the first
region 406. For example, in an embodiment, the second region 408 includes
at least one of a spectral power distribution (SPDn), an irradiance
(In), or a peak power (Pn) different from the first region 406.
In an embodiment, the second region 408 includes at least one of an
illumination intensity, a peak emission wavelength, or a pulse frequency
different from the first region 406. In an embodiment, the second region
408 includes at least one of an intensity, a phase, or a polarization
different from the first region 406. In an embodiment, the second region
408 includes at least one of a frequency, a repetition rate, or a
bandwidth different from the first region 406. In an embodiment, the
second region 408 includes at least one of an energy-emitting pattern, an
ON-pulse duration, or an OFF-pulse duration different from the first
region 406. In an embodiment, the second region 408 includes at least one
of an emission intensity, an emission phase, an emission polarization, or
an emission wavelength different from the first region 406.

[0138] In an embodiment, the plurality of selectively actuatable energy
waveguides 202a include at least a first waveguide and a second
waveguide, the second waveguide configured to transport electromagnetic
energy of a wavelength different from that of the first waveguide. For
example, in an embodiment, the first waveguide provides an
electromagnetic energy stimulus, an electrical energy stimulus, an
acoustic energy stimulus, or a thermal energy stimulus, and the second
waveguide provides a different one of an electromagnetic energy stimulus,
an electrical energy stimulus, an acoustic energy stimulus, or a thermal
energy stimulus. In an embodiment, the plurality of selectively
actuatable energy waveguides 202a are configured to deliver at least one
of a spatially collimated energy stimulus; spatially focused energy
stimulus; a temporally patterned energy stimulus; or a spaced-apart
patterned energy stimulus.

[0139] In an embodiment, the plurality of selectively actuatable energy
waveguides 202a provide an illumination pattern comprising at least a
first actuated selectively actuatable energy waveguide and a second
actuated selectively actuatable energy waveguide. In an embodiment, the
plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a provide an
illumination pattern comprising selectively actuatable energy waveguides
202a configured to be concurrently actuated.

[0140] In an embodiment, one or more energy emitter 220 are operably
coupled to a plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a
and are configured to deliver a multiplex energy stimulus having, for
example, two or more peak emission wavelengths. In an embodiment, a
multiplex energy stimulus can be routed to two or more of the selectively
actuatable energy waveguides 202a based on a wavelength, an intensity, a
spectral power distribution, a waveguide-specific address, or the like.
Once routed, the a plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides
202a can deliver a spatially patterned energy stimulus having at least a
first region and a second region 408 different from the first region 406
where the difference depends on the selection rule (e.g., spectral power
distribution, irradiance, peak power, intensity, phase, polarization,
frequency, repetition rate, bandwidth, waveguide-specific address, or the
like) used to route the energy stimulus.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 2, in an embodiment, the plurality of selectively
actuatable energy waveguides 202a are configured to internally direct at
least a portion of an emitted energy stimulus propagated within an
interior of at least one of the one or more fluid-flow passageways 110.
In an embodiment, the plurality of selectively actuatable energy
waveguides 202a are configured to direct at least a portion of an emitted
energy stimulus within an interior of at least one of the one or more
fluid-flow passageways 110 based on at least one of a polarization, an
intensity, or a wavelength. For example, in an embodiment, the plurality
of selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a include one or more
polarization-, intensity-, or wavelength-selective elements, coatings,
materials, etchings, facets, grooves, thin-films, optical micro-prisms,
lenses (e.g., micro-lenses, or the like), diffusing elements, diffractive
elements (e.g., gratings, cross-gratings, or the like), texturing, or the
like configured to direct at least a portion of an emitted energy
stimulus.

[0142] In an embodiment, the plurality of selectively actuatable energy
waveguides 202a are configured to direct at least a portion of an emitted
energy stimulus within an interior of at least one of the one or more
fluid-flow passageways 110 based on a power level of the emitted energy
stimulus. In an embodiment, one or more of the plurality of selectively
actuatable energy waveguides 202a extend over a portion of a surface of
the body structure 104.

[0143] In an embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes at least one
selectively actuatable energy waveguide 202a that forms part of a surface
along a longitudinal direction 120 of a fluid-flow passageway 110. In an
embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes at least one selectively
actuatable energy waveguide 202a that forms part of a surface along a
lateral direction 122 of a fluid-flow passageway 110. In an embodiment,
the plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a are
configured to laterally internally direct or longitudinally internally
direct at least a portion of an emitted energy stimulus within an
interior of at least one of the one or more fluid-flow passageways 110.
For example, in an embodiment, a catheter device 102 includes one or more
selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a that extend along a
longitudinal direction of a fluid-flow passageway 110. Accordingly, when
actuated, the one or more selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a
direct at least a portion of an emitted energy stimulus within an
interior of at least one of the one or more fluid-flow passageways 110
along a longitudinal direction.

[0144] In an embodiment, one or more of the plurality of selectively
actuatable energy waveguides 202a extend substantially longitudinally
along at least one of the one or more fluid-flow passageways 110. In an
embodiment, one or more of the plurality of selectively actuatable energy
waveguides 202a extend substantially laterally within at least one of the
one or more fluid-flow passageways 110. In an embodiment, at least one of
the plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a extends
substantially laterally along a first portion of the body structure 104
and a different one of the plurality of selectively actuatable energy
waveguides 202a extends substantially laterally along a second portion of
the body structure 104. In an embodiment, one or more of the plurality of
selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a extend substantially
helically within at least one of the one or more fluid-flow passageways
110. In an embodiment, at least one of the plurality of selectively
actuatable energy waveguides 202a extends substantially helically along a
first portion of the body structure 104 and a different one of the
plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a extends
substantially helically along a second portion of the body structure 104.

[0145] In an embodiment, the plurality of selectively actuatable energy
waveguides 202a are configured to direct a first portion of an emitted
energy stimulus along a substantially lateral direction in one or more
regions of at least one of the one or more fluid-flow passageways 110 and
configured to direct a second portion of the emitted energy stimulus
along a substantially longitudinal direction in one or more regions of at
least one of the one or more fluid-flow passageways 110. In an
embodiment, the plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides
202a are configured to direct at least a portion of an emitted energy
stimulus along a substantially lateral direction in a first region of at
least one of the one or more fluid-flow passageways 110 and configured to
direct at least a portion of the emitted energy stimulus along a
substantially lateral direction in a second region of the one or more
fluid-flow passageways 110, the second region different from the first
region. In an embodiment, the plurality of selectively actuatable energy
waveguides 202a are configured to direct at least a portion of an emitted
energy stimulus along a substantially longitudinal direction in a first
region of at least one of the one or more fluid-flow passageways 110 and
configured to direct at least a portion of the emitted energy stimulus
along a substantially longitudinal direction in a second region of the
one or more fluid-flow passageways 110, the second region different from
the first region. In an embodiment, the plurality of selectively
actuatable energy waveguides 202a are configured to externally direct at
least a portion of an emitted energy stimulus propagated within. In an
embodiment, the plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides
202a are configured to externally direct at least a portion of an emitted
energy stimulus propagated within one or more regions proximate at least
one surface of the body structure 104.

[0146] In an embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes a plurality of
selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a configured to selectively
actuate via one or more switches 218. In an embodiment, the plurality of
selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a are selectively actuatable
via one or more opto-mechanical switches; electro-optic switches;
acousto-optic switches; thermo-optic switches, or the like. In an
embodiment, the plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides
202a can be actuated via one or more thermally actuated devices (e.g.,
thermally activatable switches, or the like), electromagnetically
actuated devices (e.g., electromagnetic activatable switches, optically
activatable switches, or the like), acoustically actuated devices,
electrically actuated devices, or the like.

[0148] In an embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes, among other
things, a plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a
configured to selectively actuate via one or more antifuses 219. In an
embodiment, the one or more antifuses 219 are operably coupled to at
least one of the plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides
202a and are configured to establish an electromagnetic energy path when
an electromagnetic energy transmitted therethrough exceeds a threshold
value.

[0149] In an embodiment, the plurality of selectively actuatable energy
waveguides 202a are selectively actuatable via one or more optical
antifuses 219. In an embodiment, the plurality of selectively actuatable
energy waveguides 202a are selectively actuatable via one or more
antifuses 219 that are configured to actuate from a first transmissive
state to a second transmissive state when a power level of an
electromagnetic energy exceeds a exceeds a threshold value. For example,
during operation when the input power level is lower than a designated
threshold level, the optical antifuse 219 remains opaque. When the input
power level exceeds the designated threshold level, the optical antifuse
219 becomes transparent. In an embodiment, the antifuse 219 is configured
to transition from a non-transmissive state to a transmissive state by,
for example, insulation breakdown.

[0151] In an embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes, among other
things, a plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a
configured to selectively actuate via one or more light movable liquid
crystals. For example, in an embodiment, during operation, a position of
one or more light movable liquid crystals is altered by impinging a
sufficient electromagnetic energy to cause physical movement of the light
movable liquid crystals. Accordingly, one or more of the light movable
liquid crystals are actuated between transmissive and reflective states
by interrogation with electromagnetic energy. Non-limiting examples of
light movable crystals, or components thereof, may be found in, for
example U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,116,857 (issued Oct. 3, 2006) and 7,197,204
(issued Mar. 27, 2004); each of which is incorporated herein by
reference). In an embodiment, the plurality of selectively actuatable
energy waveguides 202a are selectively actuatable via one or more light
movable liquid crystals positionable between at least a transmissive
position and a reflective position. In an embodiment, the plurality of
selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a are selectively actuatable
via one or more light movable liquid crystals positionable between at
least an activated position and an inactivated position. In an
embodiment, the plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides
202a are selectively actuatable via one or more prisms. In an embodiment,
the plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a are
selectively actuatable via one or more diffractive beam directing
elements. In an embodiment, the plurality of selectively actuatable
energy waveguides 202a are selectively actuatable via one or more
reflective mirrors. In an embodiment, the plurality of selectively
actuatable energy waveguides 202a include one or more electromagnetic
energy waveguides.

[0152] In an embodiment, the system 100 includes, among other things, at
least one router 222 (e.g., energy router, signal router, data packets
router, information router, or the like) operably coupled to one or more
of the plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a. In an
embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes at least one router 222
operably coupled to one or more of the plurality of selectively
actuatable energy waveguides 202a. In an embodiment, the router 222 is
configured to actuate via one or more mechanical-optic components,
electro-optic components, or acousto-optic components. In an embodiment,
the catheter device 102 includes, among other things, at least one router
222 operably coupled to one or more energy emitters 220. In an
embodiment, at least one router 222 is configured to guide an energy
stimulus based on one or more selection rules. For example, in an
embodiment, the system 100 includes a router 224 operably coupled to at
least one of the one or more energy emitters 220, and configured to guide
an energy stimulus based on one or more selection rules. Non-limiting
examples of selection rules include routing schemes, energy
characteristics, waveguide-specific destination information, delivery
protocols, routing metrics, address protocols, waveguide-specific
addresses, or the like.

[0153] In an embodiment, two or more of the plurality of selectively
actuatable energy waveguides 202a are operably coupled to at least one
optical router 224. In an embodiment, the optical router 224 includes at
least one switch 218 (e.g., an optical switch, an opto-mechanical switch,
an electro-optic switch, an acousto-optic switch, a thermo-optic switch,
or the like). In an embodiment, the optical router 224 includes at least
one of an electro-mechanical switch, an opto-mechanical switch, an
electro-optic switch, an acousto-optic switch, or a thermo-optic switch.

[0154] In an embodiment, the system 100 includes, among other things, at
least one optical router 224 operably coupled to at least one of the one
or more energy emitters via one or more switches 218. In an embodiment,
the optical router 224 is activatable via one or more acousto-optic
components, electro-mechanical components, electro-optic components, or
mechanical-optic components.

[0155] In an embodiment, two or more of the plurality of selectively
actuatable energy waveguides 202a are operably coupled to at least one
passive optical router 226. In an embodiment, the at least one passive
optical router 226 is configured to guide electromagnetic energy based on
at least one of waveguide-specific address, wavelength, polarization,
intensity, or frequency. In an embodiment, the at least one passive
optical router 226 is configured to guide electromagnetic energy based on
a polarization. In an embodiment, the router 222 includes one or more
switches 218.

[0156] In an embodiment, the system 100 includes, among other things, an
overmoded electromagnetic energy waveguide 202b photonically coupled to
one or more of the plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides
202a. In an embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes an overmoded
electromagnetic energy waveguide 202b photonically coupled to one or more
of the plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a. In an
embodiment, the overmoded electromagnetic energy waveguide 202b is
configured to selectively actuate one or more of the plurality of
selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a. In an embodiment, two or
more of the plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a
are selectively actuatable via one or more overmoded electromagnetic
energy waveguides 202b. In an embodiment, the overmoded electromagnetic
energy waveguide 202b is configured to propagate electromagnetic energy
in at least a first mode and a second mode different from the first mode.
In an embodiment, the first mode is configured to actuate one or more of
the plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a, and the
second mode is configured to actuate a different ones of the one or more
the plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a. In an
embodiment, the plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides
202a include one or more single-mode electromagnetic energy waveguides
202c coupled to an overmoded electromagnetic energy waveguide 202b. In an
embodiment, the plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides
202a include one or more single-mode electromagnetic energy waveguides
202c coupled to a multimode electromagnetic energy waveguide 202d.

[0157] Referring to FIG. 2, in an embodiment, the system 100 includes,
among other things, one or more energy emitters 220. In an embodiment,
the catheter device 102 includes one or more energy emitters 220. In an
embodiment, the one or more energy emitters 220 are configured to emit at
least one of an electromagnetic stimulus, an electrical stimulus, an
acoustic stimulus (e.g., ultrasonic stimulus, or the like), and a thermal
stimulus. In an embodiment, the one or more energy emitters 220 are
configured to generate a sterilizing energy stimulus. In an embodiment,
the one or more energy emitters 220 are configured to deliver an energy
stimulus to a biological sample received within the one or more
fluid-flow passageways 110. In an embodiment, the one or more energy
emitters 220 are configured to deliver an emitted energy stimulus to a
biological sample proximate a surface of catheter device 102.

[0158] In an embodiment, the one or more energy emitters 220 are
configured to deliver an energy stimulus along a substantially
longitudinal direction, along a substantially lateral direction, or both
of at least one of the one or more fluid-flow passageways 110. In an
embodiment, the one or more energy emitters 220 are configured to deliver
a first portion of an emitted energy stimulus along a substantially
lateral direction in one or more regions of at least one of the one or
more fluid-flow passageways 110 and deliver a second portion of the
emitted energy stimulus along a substantially longitudinal direction in
one or more regions of at least one of the one or more fluid-flow
passageways 110. In an embodiment, the one or more energy emitters 220
are configured to deliver at least a portion of an emitted energy
stimulus along a substantially lateral direction in a first region of at
least one of the one or more fluid-flow passageways 110 and deliver at
least a portion of the emitted energy stimulus along a substantially
lateral direction in a second region of the one or more fluid-flow
passageways 110, the second region different from the first region. In an
embodiment, the one or more energy emitters 220 are configured to deliver
at least a portion of an emitted energy stimulus along a substantially
longitudinal direction in a first region of at least one of the one or
more fluid-flow passageways 110 and deliver at least a portion of the
emitted energy stimulus along a substantially longitudinal direction in a
second region of the one or more fluid-flow passageways 110, the second
region different from the first region. In an embodiment, the one or more
energy emitters 220 are configured to deliver at least a portion of an
emitted energy stimulus along a substantially lateral direction in a
first region of at least one of the one or more fluid-flow passageways
110 and at least a portion of the emitted energy stimulus along a
substantially lateral direction in a second region of the one or more
fluid-flow passageways 110, the second region different from the first
region.

[0159] In an embodiment, the one or more energy emitters 220 are
configured to emit one or more energy stimuli (e.g., one or more
electromagnetic stimuli, electrical stimuli, acoustic stimuli, and
thermal stimuli, or the like) at a dose sufficient to modulate microbial
activity proximate a surface of the catheter device 102. For example, in
an embodiment, the one or more energy emitters 220 are configured to emit
one or more energy stimuli of a dose sufficient to inhibit a DNA
replication process of an infectious agent proximate a surface of the
catheter device 102.

[0160] In an embodiment, the one or more energy emitters 220 are
configured to deliver an in vivo stimulus waveform to a biological
subject. For example, in an embodiment, the one or more energy emitters
220 are configured to generate one or more continuous or pulsed energy
waves, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the one or more energy
emitters 220 are configured to deliver a sterilizing energy stimulus to a
region proximate the catheter device 102. In an embodiment, the one or
more energy emitters 220 are configured to deliver an emitted energy to a
biological specimen (e.g., tissue, biological fluid, target sample,
infectious agent, or the like) proximate at least one of an outer surface
106 or an inner surface 108 of the catheter device 102.

[0161] In an embodiment, the one or more energy emitters 220 are
energetically coupled to the exterior or interior surfaces 108, 110 of a
body structure 104 via one or more waveguides 202 (e.g., via one or more
selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a). In an embodiment, one or
more of the waveguides 202 are operably coupled to respective energy
emitters 220 and are configured to direct an emitted energy stimulus from
the respective energy emitters 220 to one or more regions proximate the
body structure 104 based on a determined microorganism colonization
event. In an embodiment, at least one of the one or more energy emitters
220 is operably coupled to two or more of the plurality of selectively
actuatable energy waveguides 202a. In an embodiment, at least one of the
one or more energy emitters 220 is operably coupled to three or more of
the plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a.

[0162] Energy emitters 220 forming part of the catheter device 102 can
take a variety of forms, configurations, and geometrical patterns
including for example, but not limited to, a one-, two-, or
three-dimensional arrays, a pattern comprising concentric geometrical
shapes, a pattern comprising rectangles, squares, circles, triangles,
polygons, any regular or irregular shapes, or the like, or any
combination thereof. One or more of the energy emitters 220 can have a
peak emission wavelength in the x-ray, ultraviolet, visible, infrared,
near infrared, terahertz, microwave, or radio frequency spectrum. In an
embodiment, at least one of the one or more energy emitters 220 is
configured to deliver one or more charged particles.

[0164] Further non-limiting examples of energy emitters 220 include
radiation emitters, ion emitters, photon emitters, electron emitters,
gamma emitters, or the like. In an embodiment, the one or more energy
emitters 220 include one or more incandescent emitters, transducers, heat
sources, or continuous wave bulbs. In an embodiment, the one or more
energy emitters 220 include one or more laser, light-emitting diodes,
laser diodes, fiber lasers, lasers, or ultra-fast lasers, quantum dots,
organic light-emitting diodes, microcavity light-emitting diodes, or
polymer light-emitting diodes.

[0165] Further non-limiting examples of energy emitters 220 include
electromagnetic energy emitters 221. In an embodiment, the catheter
device 102 includes one or more electromagnetic energy emitters 221. In
an embodiment, the one or more electromagnetic energy emitters 221
provide a voltage across at least a portion of cells proximate an outer
surface 106 of the catheter device 102. In an embodiment, the one or more
electromagnetic energy emitters 221 include one or more electrodes. In an
embodiment, the one or more electromagnetic energy emitters 221 include
one or more light-emitting diodes 221a. In an embodiment, the one or more
electromagnetic energy emitters 221 include at least one electron
emitting material.

[0166] In an embodiment, the one or more electromagnetic energy emitters
221 provide a voltage across at least a portion of tissue proximate the
catheter device 102, and to induce pore formation in a plasma membrane of
at least a portion of infectious agents within a region proximate the
catheter device 102. In an embodiment, the voltage is of a dose
sufficient to exceed a nominal dielectric strength of at least one cell
plasma membrane. In an embodiment, the one or more electromagnetic energy
emitters 221 provide a voltage across at least a portion of cells within
a biological fluid received within at least one of the one or more
fluid-flow passageways 110. In an embodiment, the voltage is of
sufficient strength and duration to exceed a nominal dielectric strength
of at least one cell plasma membrane. In an embodiment, the voltage is of
sufficient strength and duration to exceed a nominal dielectric strength
of a cell plasma membrane without substantially interfering with a normal
operation of the implantable shunt system.

[0167] Further non-limiting examples of energy emitters 220 include
thermal energy emitters 225. Non-limiting examples of thermal energy
emitters 225 include transducers 223a, metallic heat-radiating elements,
high power light-emitting diodes, thermal energy emitting elements,
thermal energy conducting elements, thermal energy dissipating elements,
electrodes, or the like. In an embodiment, the one or more thermal energy
emitters 225 are configured to emit a sufficient amount of an energy
stimulus to inactivate an infectious agent. In an embodiment, the
catheter device 102 includes one or more thermal energy emitters 225
configured to thermally shock an infectious agent.

[0168] Further non-limiting examples of energy emitters 220 include
electrical energy emitters 227. In an embodiment, the one or more
electrical energy emitters 227 include at least one electrode 227a. In an
embodiment, a plurality of electrodes 227a are configured to energize a
region proximate the catheter device 102 in the presence of an applied
potential. In an embodiment, the applied potential is sufficient to
produce superoxidized water from an aqueous salt composition proximate
the plurality of electrodes 227a. In an embodiment, the applied potential
is sufficient to produce at least one of a triplet excited-state specie,
a reactive oxygen specie, a reactive nitrogen specie, a free radical, a
peroxide, or any other inorganic or organic ion or molecules that include
oxygen ions. Further non-limiting examples of energy emitters 220 can be
found in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,488,704 (issued Dec. 3, 2002),
which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0170] In an embodiment, the one or more energy emitters 220 include at
least one light-emitting diode 221a. In an embodiment, the catheter
device 102 includes one or more light-emitting diodes 221a.
Light-emitting diodes 221a come in a variety of forms and types
including, for example, standard, high intensity, super bright, low
current types, or the like. Typically, the light-emitting diode's color
is determined by the peak wavelength of the light emitted. For example,
red light-emitting diodes have a peak emission ranging from about 610 nm
to about 660 nm. Non-limiting examples of light-emitting diode colors
include amber, blue, red, green, white, yellow, orange-red, ultraviolet,
or the like. Further non-limiting examples of light-emitting diodes
include bi-color, tri-color, or the like. Light-emitting diode's emission
wavelength may depend on a variety of factors including, for example, the
current delivered to the light-emitting diode. The color or peak emission
wavelength spectrum of the emitted light may also generally depend on the
composition or condition of the semi-conducting material used, and can
include, among other things, peak emission wavelengths in the infrared,
visible, near-ultraviolet, or ultraviolet spectrum, or combinations
thereof.

[0171] Light-emitting diodes 221a can be mounted on, for example, but not
limited to a surface, a substrate, a portion, or a component of the
catheter device 102 using a variety of methodologies and technologies
including, for example, wire bonding, flip chip, controlled collapse chip
connection, integrated circuit chip mounting arrangement, or the like. In
an embodiment, the light-emitting diodes 221a are mounted on a surface,
substrate, portion, or component of the catheter device 102 using, for
example, but not limited to a flip-chip arrangement. A flip-chip is one
type of integrated circuit chip mounting arrangement that generally does
not require wire bonding between chips. In an embodiment, instead of wire
bonding, solder beads or other elements are positioned or deposited on
chip pads such that when the chip is mounted, electrical connections are
established between conductive traces carried by circuitry within the
system 100. In an embodiment, the one or more energy emitters 220 include
one or more light-emitting diode arrays. In an embodiment, the one or
more energy emitters 220 include at least one of a one-dimensional
light-emitting diode array, a two-dimensional light-emitting diode array,
or a three-dimensional light-emitting diode array.

[0172] In an embodiment, the one or more energy emitters 220 include at
least one acoustic energy emitter 223. In an embodiment, the catheter
device 102 includes one or more acoustic energy emitters 223. In an
embodiment, the one or more energy emitters 220 include one or more
transducers 223a (e.g., acoustic transducers, electroacoustic
transducers, electrochemical transducers, electromagnetic transducers,
electromechanical transducers, electrostatic transducers, photoelectric
transducers, radioacoustic transducers, thermoelectric transducers,
ultrasonic transducers, or the like). In an embodiment, the one or more
transducers 223a are configured to deliver an acoustic energy stimulus
(e.g., an acoustic non-thermal stimulus, an acoustic thermal stimulus, a
low or high intensity acoustic stimulus, a pulsed acoustic stimulus, a
focused acoustic stimulus, or the like) to a region within the biological
subject. In an embodiment, the one or more transducers 223a are
configured to generate an ultrasonic stimulus. In an embodiment, the one
or more transducers 223a are configured to detect an acoustic signal. In
an embodiment, the one or more transducers 223a are configured to
transmit and receive acoustic waves. In an embodiment, the one or more
transducers 223a are configured to deliver an ultrasonic stimulus to a
region proximate the catheter device 102. In an embodiment, the one or
more transducers 223a are configured to deliver an in vivo ultrasonic
interrogation waveform to a biological subject. In an embodiment, the one
or more transducers 223a are configured to generate one or more
continuous or a pulsed ultrasonic waves, or combinations thereof.

[0173] Non-limiting examples of transducers 223a include, among others,
acoustic transducers, composite piezoelectric transducers, conformal
transducers, flexible transducers, flexible ultrasonic multi-element
transducer arrays, flexible ultrasound transducers, immersible ultrasonic
transducers, integrated ultrasonic transducers, micro-fabricated
ultrasound transducers, piezoelectric materials (e.g.,
lead-zirconate-titanate, bismuth titanate, lithium niobate, piezoelectric
ceramic films or laminates, sol-gel sprayed piezoelectric ceramic
composite films or laminates, piezoelectric crystals, or the like),
piezoelectric ring transducers, piezoelectric transducers, ultrasonic
sensors, ultrasonic transducers, or the like. In an embodiment, the one
or more energy emitters 220 include one or more one-dimensional
transducer arrays, two-dimensional transducer arrays, or
three-dimensional transducer arrays. The one or more transducers 223a can
include, but are not limited to, a single design where a single
piezoelectric component outputs one single waveform at a time, or can be
compound where two or more piezoelectric components are utilized in a
single transducer 223a or in multiple transducers 223a thereby allowing
multiple waveforms to be output sequentially or concurrently.

[0174] The effects of therapeutic ultrasound on living tissues vary. For
example, ultrasound typically has a greater affect on highly organized,
structurally rigid tissues such as bone, tendons, ligaments, cartilage,
and muscle. Due to their different depths within the body, however, the
different tissue types require different ultrasonic frequencies for
effective treatment. See, e.g., U.S. Publication No. 2007/0249969
(published Oct. 25, 2007) (which is incorporated herein by reference).
Ultrasound can cause increases in tissue relaxation, local blood flow,
and scar tissue breakdown. In an embodiment, the effect of the increase
in local blood flow are used to, for example, aid in reducing local
swelling and chronic inflammation, as well as promote bone fracture
healing. In an embodiment, applying a sufficient ultrasonic energy to
tissue infected with, for example, pathogenic bacteria, can lead to a
reduction of the pathogenic bacteria in at least a portion of the
infected tissue. In an embodiment, applying a sufficient ultrasonic
energy to tissue infected with, for example, pathogenic bacteria, in the
presence of one or more disinfecting agents can lead to a reduction of
the pathogenic bacteria in at least a portion of the infected tissue. In
an embodiment, applying a sufficient ultrasonic energy to tissue infected
with, for example, pathogenic bacteria, in the presence of one or more
disinfecting agents can reduce biofilm viability, as well as
actively-impeding biofilm formation on an implant.

[0175] In an embodiment, the system 100 includes electro-mechanical
components for generating, transmitting, or receiving waves (e.g.,
ultrasonic waves, electromagnetic waves, or the like). For example, in an
embodiment, the system 100 includes one or more waveform generators 229,
as well as any associated hardware, software, or the like. In an
embodiment, the system 100 includes one or more computing devices 230
configured to concurrently or sequentially operate multiple transducers
223a. In an embodiment, the system 100 includes multiple drive circuits
(e.g., one drive circuit for each transducer 223a) and is configured to
generate varying waveforms from each coupled transducer 223a (e.g.,
multiple waveform generators, or the like). In an embodiment, the system
100 includes, among other things, an electronic timing controller coupled
to an ultrasonic waveform generator. In an embodiment, one or more
computing devices 230 are configured to automatically control one or more
of a frequency, a duration, a pulse rate, a duty cycle, an amount of
energy, or the like associated with the ultrasonic energy generated by
the one or more transducers 223a.

[0176] In an embodiment, the one or more transducers 223a are
communicatively coupled to one or more waveform generators 229. In an
embodiment, a waveform generator 229 can include, among other things, an
oscillator 231 and a pulse generator 233 configured to generate one or
more drive signals for causing one or more transducer 223a to
ultrasonically vibrate and generate ultrasonic energy.

[0177] In an embodiment, the catheter device 102 employs high intensity
focused ultrasound (HIFU) to induce localized heating. For example, in an
embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes one or more acoustic energy
emitters 223 configured to deliver a high intensity focused ultrasound
stimulus. High acoustic intensities associated with HIFU can cause rapid
heat generation in cells and tissue due to absorption of the acoustic
energy. Delivering a HIFU stimulus can cause the temperature in a region
including cells (e.g., subject cells, intracellularly infected cells,
microbial cells, bacterial cell, yeast cells, fungal cells, or the like)
and or tissue to rise very rapidly, inducing thermal stressing of at
least one of the targeted cells or tissue which in turn can lead to
programmed cell death. The degree of thermal stressing of cells may be a
function of the character or duration of the energy stimulus delivered to
induce a temperature change. For example, rapid heating of cells using
HIFU may be advantageous for rapidly attenuating an infectious activity
by inducing cell death as opposed to slow increases in temperature to
which the cells may become adapted. See, e.g., Somwaru, et al., J.
Androl. 25:506-513, 2004; Stankiewicz, et al., J. Biol. Chem.
280:38729-38739, 2005; Sodja, et al., J. Cell Sci. 111:2305-2313, (1998);
Setroikromo, et al., Cell Stress Chaperones 12:320-330, 2007; Dubinsky,
et al., AJR 190:191-199, 2008; Lepock. Int. J. Hyperthermia, 19:252-266,
2003; Roti Int. J. Hyperthermia 24:3-15, 2008; Fuchs, et al., "The
Laser's Position in Medicine" pp 187-198 in Applied Laser Medicine. Ed.
Hans-Peter Berlien, Gerhard J. Muller, Springer-Verlag New York, LLC,
2003; each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0178] In an embodiment, one or more energy emitters 220 are configured to
emit a sterilizing energy stimulus having one or more peak emission
wavelengths in the infrared, visible, or ultraviolet spectrum, or
combinations thereof. For example, in an embodiment, at least one of the
one or more energy emitters 220 comprises a peak emission wavelength
ranging from about 100 nanometers to about 400 nanometers. In an
embodiment, at least one of the one or more energy emitters 220 comprises
a peak emission wavelength ranging from about 100 nanometers to about 320
nanometers. In an embodiment, at least one of the one or more energy
emitters 220 comprises an electromagnetic energy peak emission wavelength
ranging from about 100 nanometers to about 280 nanometers. In an
embodiment, at least one of the one or more energy emitters 220 comprises
an electromagnetic energy peak emission wavelength ranging from about 200
nanometers to about 290 nanometers. In an embodiment, at least one of the
one or more energy emitters 220 comprises a peak emission wavelength
ranging from about 280 nanometers to about 320 nanometers. In an
embodiment, at least one of the one or more energy emitters 220 comprises
a peak emission wavelength ranging from about 260 nanometers to about 265
nanometers. In an embodiment, at least one of the one or more energy
emitters 220 comprises a peak emission wavelength about 260 nanometers

[0179] In an embodiment, an operational fluence of one or more energy
emitters 220 is less than about 80 milli-joules per square centimeter. In
an embodiment, an operational fluence of one or more energy emitters 220
is less than about 35 milli-joules per square centimeter. In an
embodiment, an operational fluence of one or more energy emitters 220 is
less than about 15 milli-joules per square centimeter. In an embodiment,
an average energy density of one or more energy emitters 220 ranges from
about less than about 15 milli-joules per square centimeter to about less
than about 80 milli-joules per square centimeter.

[0180] In an embodiment, the one or more energy emitters 220 are
configured to emit one or more energy stimuli of at a dose sufficient to
induce programmed cell death (PCD) (e.g., apoptosis) of at least a
portion of cells proximate the catheter device 102. PCD can be induced
using a variety of methodologies and technologies including, for example,
using acoustic energy, electricity, electromagnetic energy, thermal
energy, pulsed electric fields, pulsed ultrasound, focused ultrasound,
low intensity ultrasound, ultraviolet radiation, or the like. Localized
heating therapy caused by the delivery of energy, for example via one or
more energy emitters 220, can likewise induce PCD (e.g., apoptosis) or
necrosis of cells or tissue depending upon the temperature experienced by
the cells or tissue. For example, localized heating therapy between
40° C. and 60° C. can result in disordered cellular
metabolism and membrane function and in many instances, cell death (e.g.,
PCD). In general, at temperatures below 60° C., localized heating
is more likely to induce PCD in cells without substantially inducing
necrosis. At temperatures greater than about 60° C., the
likelihood of inducing coagulation necrosis of cells and tissue
increases. Relatively small increases in temperature (e.g., a 3°
C. increase) above the normal functioning temperature of a cell can cause
apoptotic cell death. For example, temperatures ranging from 40°
C. to 47° C. can induce cell death in a reproducible time and
temperature dependent manner in cells normally functioning at 37°
C.

[0182] In an embodiment, the catheter device 102 is configured to emit a
sufficient amount of an energy stimulus to induce PCD without
substantially inducing necrosis of a portion of cells in the vicinity of
the catheter device 102. For example, in an embodiment, the catheter
device 102 includes one or more energy emitters 220 configured to deliver
electromagnetic radiation of a dose sufficient to induce PCD without
substantially inducing necrosis of a tissue proximate a surface (e.g., an
outer surface, inner surface, or the like) of the catheter device 102. In
an embodiment, at least one of the one or more energy emitters 220 is
configured to emit a pulsed energy stimulus of a dose sufficient to
induce PCD without substantially inducing necrosis of an infectious agent
within a biological sample proximate the surface of the body structure
104. In an embodiment, one or more of the energy emitters 220 are
configured to deliver a sufficient amount of an ultraviolet radiation to
induce cell death by PCD. In an embodiment, one or more of the energy
emitters 220 are configured to deliver an effective dose of optical
energy at which a cell preferentially undergoes PCD compared to necrosis.

[0183] In an embodiment, one or more of the energy emitters 220 are
configured to deliver a thermal sterilizing stimulus (e.g., a pulse
thermal sterilizing stimulus, a spatially patterned thermal sterilizing
stimulus, a temporally patterned sterilizing stimulus, or the like) of a
dose sufficient to elevate a temperature of at least a portion of cells
proximate a catheter device 102. Elevating the temperature of a mammalian
cell, for example, to 43° C. can cause changes in cellular protein
expression and increased PCD.

[0184] In an embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes one or more
thermal energy emitters 225 configured to emit a thermal energy stimulus
of a dose to thermally induce PCD of a portion of infected cells
proximate the catheter device 102. For example, in an embodiment, one or
more of the thermal energy emitters 225 are operable to emit a sufficient
amount of an energy stimulus to increase the temperature of at least a
portion of a biological sample received within at least one of the one or
more fluid-flow passageways 110 by about 5° C. to about 20°
C. In an embodiment, the one or more thermal energy emitters 225 are
operable to emit a sufficient amount of an energy stimulus to increase
the temperature of at least a portion of a biological sample received
within at least one of the one or more fluid-flow passageways 110 by
about 5° C. to about 6° C.

[0185] In an embodiment, at least one of the one or more energy emitters
220 is configured to emit an energy stimulus of a dose sufficient to
induce PCD in a pathogen within a fluid received within at least one of
the one or more fluid-flow passageways 110. In an embodiment, at least
one of the one or more energy emitters 220 is configured to deliver an
energy stimulus of a dose sufficient to induce poration (e.g.,
electroporation) of a plasma membrane in at least a portion of cells
proximate the catheter device 102. In an embodiment, the one or more
energy emitters 220 include at least one ultraviolet energy emitter. In
an embodiment, the one or more energy emitters 220 are configured to
deliver a sufficient amount of an optical energy to initiate ultraviolet
energy induced PCD. In an embodiment, the one or more energy emitters 220
include at least one ultraviolet B energy emitter. In an embodiment, the
one or more energy emitters 220 include at least one ultraviolet C energy
emitter. In an embodiment, at least one of the one or more energy
emitters 220 is a germicidal light emitter. In an embodiment, at least
one of the one or more energy emitters 220 is an ultraviolet C light
emitting diode.

[0186] In an embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes, among other
things, one or more energy emitters 220 configured to emit a pulsed
thermal sterilizing stimulus of a dose sufficient to induce PCD without
substantially inducing necrosis of at least a portion of cells proximate
the catheter device 102 in response to a detected measurand. In an
embodiment, at least one of the one or more energy emitters 220 is
configured to emit a pulsed thermal sterilizing stimulus of a dose
sufficient to induce PCD without substantially inducing necrosis of an
infectious agent within a tissue proximate the catheter device 102 in
response to a detect level of an infectious agent. In an embodiment, at
least one of the one or more energy emitters 220 is configured to deliver
a pulsed thermal sterilizing stimulus of a dose sufficient to induce
thermally enhanced poration of a plasma membrane in at least a portion of
cells within a tissue proximate the catheter device 102. In an
embodiment, at least of the one or more energy emitters 220 is configured
to deliver a pulsed thermal sterilizing stimulus of a dose sufficient to
induce poration of a plasma membrane in at least a portion of cells on a
surface of the catheter device 102.

[0187] In an embodiment, the one or more energy emitters 220 are operable
to emit a sufficient amount of a pulsed sterilizing stimulus to increase
the temperature of at least a portion of cells proximate a surface of the
catheter device 102. In an embodiment, the one or more energy emitters
220 are operable to emit a sufficient amount of a pulsed sterilizing
stimulus to increase the temperature of at least a portion cells within a
biological sample received within at least one of the one or more
fluid-flow passageways 110. For example, in an embodiment, the one or
more energy emitters 220 are operable to emit a sufficient amount of a
pulsed thermal sterilizing stimulus to increase the temperature of at
least a portion of cells proximate the catheter device 102 by about
3° C. to about 22° C.

[0188] In an embodiment, the one or more energy emitters 220 are operable
to emit a sufficient amount of a pulsed thermal sterilizing stimulus to
increase the temperature of at least a portion of cells proximate the
catheter device 102 by about 3° C. to about 10° C. In an
embodiment, the one or more energy emitters 220 are operable to emit a
sufficient amount of a pulsed thermal sterilizing stimulus to increase
the temperature of at least a portion of cells proximate the catheter
device 102 by about 3° C. to about 4° C.

[0189] In an embodiment, at least one of the one or more energy emitters
220 is configured to deliver a pulsed thermal sterilizing stimulus of a
dose sufficient to elevate a temperature of at least a portion of cells
proximate the catheter device 102 from about 37° C. to less than
about 60° C. In an embodiment, at least one of the one or more
energy emitters 220 is configured to deliver a pulsed thermal sterilizing
stimulus of a dose sufficient to elevate a temperature of at least a
portion of cells proximate the catheter device 102 from about 37°
C. to less than about 47° C. In an embodiment, at least one of the
one or more energy emitters 220 is configured to deliver a pulsed thermal
sterilizing stimulus 37° C. of a dose sufficient to elevate a
temperature of at least a portion of cells proximate the catheter device
102 from about 37° C. to less than about 45° C. In an
embodiment, at least one of the one or more energy emitters 220 is
configured to deliver a pulsed thermal sterilizing stimulus of a dose
sufficient to elevate a temperature of at least a portion of cells
proximate the catheter device 102 from about 37° C. to less than
about 42° C. In an embodiment, at least one of the one or more
energy emitters 220 is configured to deliver a pulsed thermal sterilizing
stimulus of a dose sufficient to elevate a temperature of at least a
portion of cells proximate the catheter device 102 from about 37°
C. to a temperature ranging from greater than about 41° C. to less
than about 63° C.

[0190] In an embodiment, the one or more energy emitters 220 are
configured to direct optical energy along the optical path for a duration
sufficient to interact with a biological sample received within one or
more fluid-flow passageways 110. For example, in an embodiment, the one
or more energy emitters 220 are configured to generate one or more
non-ionizing laser pulses in an amount and for a duration sufficient to
induce the formation of sound waves associated with changes in a
biological mass present along an optical path. In an embodiment, the one
or more energy emitters 220 are configured to direct a pulsed optical
energy waveform along an optical path of a dose sufficient to cause a
biological mass, a portion of cells, a sample, or the like within a focal
volume interrogated by the pulsed optical energy waveform to temporarily
expand. In an embodiment, the one or more energy emitters 220 are
configured to direct a pulsed optical energy stimulus along an optical
path in an amount and for a duration sufficient to elicit the formation
of acoustic waves associated with changes in a biological mass present
along the optical path.

[0191] In an embodiment, the one or more energy emitters 220 are
configured to direct a pulsed optical energy waveform along an optical
path of a dose sufficient to cause at least a portion of cells within a
focal volume interrogated by the pulsed optical energy waveform to
temporarily expand. In an embodiment, the one or more energy emitters 220
are configured to direct a pulsed optical energy waveform along an
optical path in an amount and for a duration sufficient to cause at least
a portion of cells within a focal volume interrogated by the pulsed
optical energy waveform to temporarily fluoresce. In an embodiment, the
one or more energy emitters 220 are further configured to direct a
portion of an emitted optical energy to a sensor component in optical
communication along the optical path.

[0192] In an embodiment, the one or more energy emitters 220 are
concurrently or sequentially deliver one or more electromagnetic stimuli,
electrical stimuli, acoustic stimuli, or thermal stimuli, in vivo, to at
least one of a target sample, a biological sample, an infectious agent,
or the like received within at least one of the one or more fluid-flow
passageways 110. In an embodiment, at least one of the one or more energy
emitters 220 is photonically coupleable to at least one of an interior or
an exterior of one or more of the one or more fluid-flow passageways 110
via one or more energy waveguides 202. In an embodiment, at least one of
the one or more energy emitters 220 is configured to emit an energy
stimulus from an interior of at least one of the one or more fluid-flow
passageways to an exterior of at least one of the one or more fluid-flow
passageways 110.

[0193] In an embodiment, the one or more energy emitters 220 provide a
voltage across at least a portion of cells in the vicinity of the
catheter device 102. In an embodiment, the voltage is of a dose
sufficient to exceed a nominal dielectric strength of at least one cell
plasma membrane. In an embodiment, the voltage is of a dose sufficient to
exceed a nominal dielectric strength of a cell plasma membrane without
substantially interfering with a normal operation of the implantable
shunt system 100 or the catheter device 102.

[0194] In an embodiment, the one or more energy emitters 220 are implanted
within a biological subject. In an embodiment, the one or more energy
emitters 220 are configured to apply energy (e.g., electrical energy,
electromagnetic energy, thermal energy, ultrasonic energy, or the like,
or combinations thereof) to tissue proximate a catheter device 102 to,
for example, treat or prevent an infection (e.g., an implant-associated
infection, hematogenous implant-associated infection, or the like), a
hematological abnormality, or the like. In an embodiment, the one or more
energy emitters 220 are configured to apply energy to tissue proximate a
catheter device 102 to promote at least one of a tissue healing process,
a tissue growing process, a tissue scarring process, or the like. In an
embodiment, the one or more energy emitters 220 are configured to apply
energy of a dose sufficient to tissue proximate an implant to inhibit a
tissue scarring process. In an embodiment, the one or more energy
emitters 220 are configured to apply energy to tissue proximate an
implant to treat, prevent, inhibit, or reduce post-operative adhesion,
fibrin sheath formation, or scar tissue formation. In an embodiment, the
one or more energy emitters 220 are configured to apply an energy
stimulus to tissue proximate a catheter device 102 to treat, prevent,
inhibit, or reduce the presence or concentration of an infectious agent
within at least a portion of the tissue proximate the catheter device
102.

[0195] In an embodiment, the one or more energy emitters 220 are
concurrently or sequentially deliver at least a first energy stimulus and
a second energy stimulus, the second energy stimulus different from the
first energy stimulus. In an embodiment, the second energy stimulus
differs in at least one of a spatial energy distribution and a temporal
energy distribution. In an embodiment, the first energy stimulus
comprises an electromagnetic energy stimulus, an electrical'energy
stimulus, an ultrasonic energy stimulus, or a thermal energy stimulus,
and the second energy stimulus comprises a different one of an
electromagnetic energy stimulus, an electrical energy stimulus, an
ultrasonic energy stimulus, or a thermal energy stimulus.

[0196] In an embodiment, at least one of the one or more energy emitters
220 is configured to provide an illumination pattern comprising at least
a first region and a second region. In an embodiment, the second region
includes at least one of an illumination intensity, an energy-emitting
pattern, a peak emission wavelength, an ON-pulse duration, an OFF-pulse
duration, or a pulse frequency different from the first region. In an
embodiment, the second region includes at least one of a spatial pattern
or a temporal pattern different from the first region.

[0197] In an embodiment, at least one of the one or more energy emitters
220 is operably coupled to a plurality of energy waveguides 202 (e.g., a
plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a, or the like)
that are configured to deliver a spatially or temporally patterned energy
stimulus. In an embodiment, at least one of the one or more energy
emitters 220 is configured to emit a multiplex energy stimulus having two
or more peak emission wavelengths. In an embodiment, a multiplex energy
stimulus can be routed to respective waveguides 202 based on a
wavelength, an intensity, a spectral power distribution, a
waveguide-specific address, a polarization, or the like. In an
embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes one or more polarization
rotators operably coupled to at least one of the one or more energy
emitters 220. In an embodiment, at least one of the one or more energy
emitters 220 is operably coupled to one or more polarization rotators.

[0198] In an embodiment, the system 100 includes, among other things, one
or more energy emitters 220 configured to provide a spatially patterned
energy stimulus having at least a first region and a second region
different from the first region. In an embodiment, the first region
comprises one of a spatially patterned electromagnetic energy stimulus, a
spatially patterned electrical energy stimulus, a spatially patterned
ultrasonic energy stimulus, or a spatially patterned thermal energy
stimulus, and the second region comprises a different one of a spatially
patterned electromagnetic energy stimulus, a spatially patterned
electrical energy stimulus, a spatially patterned ultrasonic energy
stimulus, or a spatially patterned thermal energy stimulus. In an
embodiment, the second region comprises at least one of an emission
intensity, an emission phase, an emission polarization, or an emission
wavelength different from the first region. In an embodiment, the second
region comprises a peak irradiance different from the first region.

[0199] In an embodiment, the system 100 includes one or more spatially
patterned energy emitters 235. In an embodiment, the system 100 includes,
among other things, one or more spaced-apart energy emitters 237. In an
embodiment, the system 100 includes, among other things, one or more
patterned energy emitters 239. Patterned energy emitters 239 can be sized
and shaped to provide a spatially patterned energy stimulus to, for
example, a region proximate a catheter device 102. In an embodiment, a
plurality of energy emitters 220 provides a spatially patterned energy
stimulus. The spatially patterned energy stimulus can take a variety
forms, configurations, and geometrical patterns including for example,
but not limited to, lines, circles, ellipses, triangles, rectangles,
polygons, any regular or irregular geometrical patterns, one-dimensional
patterns, two-dimensional patterns, three-dimensional patterns, or the
like, and any combination thereof. In an embodiment, a plurality of
energy emitters 220 includes a patterned energy-emitting source. In an
embodiment, at least one of the one or more energy emitters 220 includes
at least one of a patterned electromagnetic energy-emitting source, a
patterned electrical energy-emitting source, a patterned ultrasonic
energy-emitting source, or a patterned thermal energy-emitting source. In
an embodiment, at least one of the one or more energy emitters 220
includes a patterned electrode.

[0200] In an embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes at least a first
energy emitter and a second energy emitter. In an embodiment, the second
energy emitter is configured to emit an energy stimulus having an
emission wavelength different from an energy stimulus emitted by the
first energy emitter. In an embodiment, the second energy emitter is
configured to emit an energy stimulus having a polarization different
from an energy stimulus emitted by the first energy emitter.

[0201] In an embodiment, one or more of the energy emitters 220 are
configured to concurrently or sequentially emit at least a first energy
stimulus to an interior 108 of one or more fluid-flow passageways 104 and
a second energy stimulus to an exterior 106 of one or more fluid-flow
passageways. In an embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes an
optical component that directs at least a portion of an emitted energy
stimulus from one or more of the energy emitters 220 to one or more of
the plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a.

[0202] In an embodiment, the at least one of the one or more energy
emitters 220 is operably coupled to a router 222 having an output
directed to two or more of the plurality of selectively actuatable energy
waveguides 202a. In an embodiment, the at least one of the one or more
energy emitters 220 is operably coupled to an optical router 224 having
one or more outputs directed to two or more of a plurality of selectively
actuatable energy waveguides 202a.

[0203] In an embodiment, the at least one of the one or more energy
emitters 220 is operably coupled to a first electromagnetic energy
waveguide that is operably coupled to two or more of a selectively
actuatable energy waveguides 202a. In an embodiment, the at least one of
the one or more energy emitters 220 is operably coupled to a first
electromagnetic energy waveguide that is operably coupled to an optical
router 224 having one or more outputs directed to two or more of a
plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a. In an
embodiment, at least one of the one or more energy emitters 220 is
photonically coupled to one or more of the plurality of selectively
actuatable energy waveguides 202a. In an embodiment, the at least one of
the one or more energy emitters 220 is photonically coupled to an
interior environment of the body structure 104 via at least one of the
plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a. In an
embodiment, at least one of the one or more energy emitters 220 is
photonically coupled to an exterior environment of the body structure 104
via at least one of the plurality of selectively actuatable energy
waveguides 202a. In an embodiment, at least one of the one or more energy
emitters 220 is configured to emit an energy stimulus from an interior to
an exterior of at least one of the one or more fluid-flow passageways
110.

[0204] In an embodiment, one or more of the energy emitters 220 are
configured to concurrently or sequentially provide one or more
electromagnetic stimuli, electrical stimuli, ultrasonic stimuli, or
thermal stimuli. In an embodiment, one or more of the energy emitters 220
are configured to concurrently or sequentially provide at least a first
energy stimulus and a second energy stimulus.

[0205] In an embodiment, the second energy stimulus differs from the first
energy stimulus. For example, in an embodiment, the second energy
stimulus includes an electromagnetic energy stimulus, an electrical
energy stimulus, an ultrasonic energy stimulus, or a thermal energy
stimulus different from the first energy stimulus. In an embodiment, the
second energy stimulus includes at least one of a peak emission
wavelength, a repetition rate, or a bandwidth different from the first
energy stimulus. In an embodiment, the second energy stimulus includes at
least one of an irradiance, a spectral power distribution, or a peak
power different from the first energy stimulus.

[0206] In an embodiment, the system 100 includes, among other things, a
plurality of independently addressable energy emitting components 274
disposed along a longitudinal axis of the catheter device 102. In an
embodiment, the independently addressable energy emitting components 274
include one or more waveguides 202 operably coupled to one or more energy
emitters 220. In an embodiment, the plurality of independently
addressable energy emitting components 274 is configured to direct an
emitted energy stimulus to one or more regions proximate at least one of
the outer surface and the inner surface of the body structure 104. In an
embodiment, one or more of the plurality of independently addressable
energy emitting components 274 are operably coupled to respective energy
emitters 220 and are configured to direct an emitted energy stimulus from
the respective energy emitters 220 to one or more regions proximate the
body structure 104 based on a determined microorganism colonization
event. In an embodiment, one or more of the plurality of independently
addressable energy emitting components 274 are operably coupled to
respective energy emitters 220 and are configured to direct an emitted
energy stimulus from the respective energy emitters 220 to one or more
regions proximate at least one of the outer surface 106 and the inner
surface 108 of the body structure 104 based on a determined microorganism
colonization event.

[0207] In an embodiment, the system 102 includes actuating means 272 for
concurrently or sequentially actuating two or more of the plurality of
independently addressable energy emitting components 274 in one or more
regions determined to have a microorganism colonization event. In an
embodiment, the actuating means 272 includes one or more switches 218. In
an embodiment, the actuating means 272 includes one or more switches 218
operably coupled to one or more computing devices. In an embodiment, the
actuating means 272 includes at least one computing device 230 configured
to generate a response that causes a switching element to establish or
interrupt a connection between the selectively actuatable energy
waveguides and respective one or more energy emitters 220.

[0208] In an embodiment, the one or more switches 218 include at least one
acoustically active material. In an embodiment, the one or more switches
218 include at least one electro-mechanical switch. In an embodiment, the
one or more switches 218 include at least one electro-optic switch. In an
embodiment, the one or more switches 218 include at least one
acousto-optic switch. In an embodiment, the one or more switches 218
include at least one optical switch. In an embodiment, the actuating
means 272 includes at least one of an electro-mechanical switch, an
electro-optic switch, an acousto-optic switch, or an optical switch.

[0209] In an embodiment, the actuating means 272 includes at least one
computing device 230 operably coupled to one or more switches. In an
embodiment, the actuating means 272 includes at least one optical
antifuse. In an embodiment, the actuating means 272 includes a movable
component having an optical energy reflecting substrate. In an
embodiment, the movable component is actuated by an electromagnetic
energy stimulus generated by one or more energy emitters 220, and
configured to guide an optical energy along at least one of the plurality
of independently addressable energy emitting components 274 when
actuated. In an embodiment, the actuating means 272 is configured to
concurrently or sequentially actuate two or more of the plurality of
independently addressable energy emitting components 274 in one or more
regions based on a determined microorganism colonization event.

[0210] With continued reference to FIG. 2, in an embodiment the system 100
includes, among other things, at least one computing device 230 including
one or more processors 232 (e.g., microprocessors), central processing
units (CPUs) 234, digital signal processors (DSPs) 236,
application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) 238, field programmable
gate arrays (FPGAs) 240, controllers, or the like, or any combinations
thereof, and can include discrete digital or analog circuit elements or
electronics, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the system 100
includes, among other things, one or more field programmable gate arrays
240 having a plurality of programmable logic components. In an
embodiment, the system 100 includes, among other things, one or more
application specific integrated circuits having a plurality of predefined
logic components.

[0211] In an embodiment, at least one computing device 230 is operably
coupled to one or more energy emitters 220 and one or more energy
waveguide 202. In an embodiment, the system 100 includes one or more
computing devices 230 configured to concurrently or sequentially operate
multiple energy emitters 220. In an embodiment the computing device 230
comprises at least one controller. In an embodiment, at least one
computing device 230 is operably coupled to one or more energy waveguide
202. In an embodiment, one or more of the energy waveguides 202 are
configured for selectively actuation via one or more computing devices
230.

[0212] In an embodiment, the system 100 includes one or more catheter
devices 102 including, among other things, one or more receivers 280,
transceivers 282, or transmitters 284. In an embodiment, at least one of
the one or more receiver 280, transceivers 282, and transmitters 284, can
be, for example, wirelessly coupled to a computing device 230 that
communicates with a control unit of the system 100 via wireless
communication. In an embodiment, at least one of the one or more
receivers 280 and transceivers 282 is configured to acquire information
associated with a set of targets, markers, or the like for detection. In
an embodiment, at least one of the one or more receivers 280 and
transceivers 282 is configured to acquire information associated with a
set of physiological characteristic for detection. In an embodiment, at
least one of the one or more receivers 280 and transceivers 282 is
configured to acquire information associated with one or more
physiological characteristics for detection. In an embodiment, at least
one of the one or more receivers 280 and transceivers 282 is configured
to acquire information associated with one or more cerebrospinal fluid
characteristics for detection.

[0213] In an embodiment, at least one receiver 280 is configured to
acquire information associated with a delivery of an energy stimulus. In
an embodiment, the at least one receiver 280 is configured to acquire
data. In an embodiment, the at least one receiver 280 is configured to
acquire software. In an embodiment, the at least one receiver 280 is
configured to receive data from one or more distal sensors. In an
embodiment, the at least one receiver 280 is configured to receive stored
reference data. In an embodiment, the at least one receiver 280 is
configured to acquire at least one of instructions, instructions
associated with a delivery of an energy stimulus, instructions associated
with a delivery of an active agent, information associated with a
biological sample, instructions associated with a biological fluid,
instructions associated with a disease state, or the like.

[0214] In an embodiment, the at least one receiver 280 is configured to
acquire information based at least in part on a detected characteristic
associated with a cerebrospinal fluid received within at least one of the
one or more fluid-flow passageways 110. In an embodiment, the at least
one receiver 280 is configured to acquire information based at least in
part on a detected characteristic associated with a tissue proximate the
one or more fluid-flow passageways 110. In an embodiment, the at least
one receiver 280 is configured to acquire information based at least in
part on a detected physiological characteristic associated with the
biological subject. In an embodiment, the at least one receiver 280 is
configured to acquire information associated with delivery of an active
agent.

[0215] In an embodiment, the system 100 includes one or more receivers 280
configured to acquire spectral information (e.g., radio frequency (RF)
information) emitted by an in vivo biological sample. In an embodiment,
the one or more receivers 280 include one or more of analog-to-digital
converters, signal amplifier, matching networks, oscillators, power
amplifiers, RF receive coils, RF synthesizers, or signal filters. In an
embodiment, the system 100 includes one or more transceivers 282 (e.g.,
RF transceivers) configured to generate RF excitation pulses that
interacts with, for example, an in vivo target.

[0216] In an embodiment, the system 100 includes control circuitry
operably coupled to the one or more selectively actuatable energy
waveguides 202a and configured to control at least one of a spaced-apart
configuration parameter, an electromagnetic energy spatial distribution
parameter, or an electromagnetic energy temporal distribution parameter
associated with the delivery of the patterned energy stimulus. In an
embodiment, at least one computing device 230 is operably coupled to one
or more selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a and configured to
control at least one of a delivery regiment, a spatial distribution, or a
temporal distribution associated with the delivery of the patterned
energy stimulus. In an embodiment, the one or more computing devices 230
are configured to actuate at least one of the plurality of selectively
actuatable energy waveguides 202a in response to a scheduled program, an
external command, a history of a previous microbial presence, or a
history of a previous actuation.

[0217] In an embodiment, one or more computing devices 230 are configured
to automatically control at least one waveform characteristic (e.g.,
intensity, frequency, peak power, spectral power distribution, pulse
intensity, pulse duration, pulse ratio, pulse repetition rate, or the
like) associated with the delivery of one or more energy stimuli. For
example, pulsed waves can be characterized by the fraction of time the
energy stimulus is present over one pulse period. This fraction is called
the duty cycle and is calculated by dividing the pulse time ON by the
total time of a pulse period (e.g., time ON plus time OFF). In an
embodiment, a pulse generator 242 is configured to electronically
generate pulsed periods and non-pulsed (or inactive) periods.

[0218] In an embodiment, the system 100 includes one or more catheter
devices 102 including for example, but not limited to, circuitry for
providing information. In an embodiment, the circuitry for providing
information includes circuitry for providing status information regarding
the implantable device. In an embodiment, the circuitry for providing
information includes circuitry for providing information regarding at
least one characteristic associated with a biological subject. For
example, in an embodiment, the circuitry for providing information
includes circuitry for providing information regarding at least one
characteristic associated with a tissue or biological fluid proximate the
catheter device 102. In an embodiment, the circuitry for providing
information includes circuitry for providing information regarding at
least one physiological characteristic associated with the biological
subject. In an embodiment, the circuitry for providing information
includes circuitry for providing information regarding at least one
characteristic associated with a biological sample of the biological
subject. In an embodiment, the circuitry for providing information
includes circuitry for providing information regarding at least one
characteristic associated with a tissue proximate the one or more
fluid-flow passageways 110. In an embodiment, the system 100 includes one
or more catheter devices 102 including for example, but not limited to,
circuitry for transmitting information. In an embodiment, the at least
one transmitter 284 is configured to send information based at least in
part on a detected characteristic associated with a cerebrospinal fluid
received within at least one of the one or more fluid-flow passageways
110. In an embodiment, the at least one transmitter 284 is configured to
send a request for transmission of at least one of data, a command, an
authorization, an update, or a code.

[0219] In an embodiment, the system 100 includes one or more catheter
devices 102 including for example, but not limited to, one or more
cryptographic logic components 286. In an embodiment, at least one of the
one or more cryptographic logic components 286 are configured to
implement at least one cryptographic process, or cryptographic logic, or
combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of a cryptographic process
include one or more processes associated with cryptographic protocols,
decryption protocols, encryption protocols, regulatory compliance
protocols (e.g., FDA regulatory compliance protocols, or the like),
regulatory use protocols, authentication protocols, authorization
protocols, treatment regimen protocols, activation protocols, encryption
protocols, decryption protocols, or the like. Non-limiting examples of a
cryptographic logic include one or more crypto-algorithms signal-bearing
media, crypto controllers (e.g., crypto-processors), cryptographic
modules (e.g., hardware, firmware, or software, or combinations thereof
for implementing cryptographic logic, or cryptographic processes), or the
like.

[0220] In an embodiment, the cryptographic logic component 286 is
configured to implement at least one cryptographic process or
cryptographic logic. In an embodiment, the cryptographic logic component
286 is configured to implement one or more processes associated with at
least one of a cryptographic protocol, a decryption protocol, an
encryption protocol, a regulatory compliance protocol, a regulatory use
protocol, an authentication protocol, an authorization protocol, a
delivery protocol, an activation protocol, an encryption protocol, or a
decryption protocol. In an embodiment, the cryptographic logic component
286 includes one or more crypto-algorithms, signal-bearing media, crypto
controllers, or cryptographic modules.

[0221] In an embodiment, the cryptographic logic component 286 is
configured to generate information associated with at least one of an
authentication protocol, an authorization protocol, a delivery protocol
(e.g., a sterilizing energy stimulus delivery protocol), an activation
protocol, an encryption protocol, or a decryption protocol. In an
embodiment, the cryptographic logic component 286 is configured to
generate information associated with at least one of an authorization
instruction, an authentication instruction, a prescription dosing
instruction, a sterilizing energy stimulus administration instruction, or
a prescribed regimen instruction.

[0222] In an embodiment, the cryptographic logic component 286 is
configured to generate information associated with at least one of an
instruction stream, an encrypted data stream, an authentication data
stream, or an authorization data stream. In an embodiment, the
cryptographic logic component 286 is configured to generate information
associated with at least one of an activation code, an error code, a
command code, or an authorization code. In an embodiment, the
cryptographic logic component 286 is configured to generate information
associated with at least one of a cryptographic protocol, a decryption
protocol, an encryption protocol, a regulatory compliance protocol, or
regulatory use protocol.

[0223] In an embodiment, the system 100 includes at least one computing
device 230 communicably coupled to one or more energy emitters 220 and
configured to control at least one of a duration time, an amount of
energy (e.g., a fluence, peak power, average power, spectral power
distribution, operational fluence, or the like), a delivery schedule, a
delivery pattern, a delivery regimen, an excitation amount, an excitation
type, or a delivery location associated with the delivery of an energy
stimulus. In an embodiment, the system 100 includes at least one
computing device 230 communicably coupled to one or more energy
waveguides 202, and configured to control at least one parameter
associated with selectively actuating one or more energy waveguides 202.

[0224] For example, in an embodiment, the computing device 230 is
configured to control at least one parameter associated with an emission
intensity, an emission phase, an emission polarization, an emission
power, or an emission wavelength of an energy stimulus. In an embodiment,
the computing device 230 is configured to control at least one parameter
associated with an intensity, an irradiance (In), a peak power
(Pn), a phase, a polarization, or a spectral power distribution
(SPDn) of an energy stimulus. In an embodiment, the computing device
230 is configured to control at least one parameter associated with a
spatial illumination field modulation, a spatial illumination field
intensity, or a spatial illumination delivery pattern. In an embodiment,
the computing device 230 is configured to control at least one of an
excitation intensity, an excitation frequency, an excitation pulse
frequency, an excitation pulse ratio, an excitation pulse intensity, an
excitation pulse duration time, an excitation pulse frequency, or an
excitation pulse repetition rate. In an embodiment, the computing device
230 is configured to control at least one of a bandwidth, a frequency, a
repetition rate, an energy-emitting pattern, an OFF-pulse duration, an
OFF-rate, an ON-pulse duration, or an ON-rate.

[0226] In an embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes at least one
computing device 230 configured to control one or more parameter
associated with the operation of the catheter device 102. For example, in
an embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes at least one computing
device 230 operably coupled to one or more of the energy emitters 220 and
configured to control at least one parameter associated with the delivery
of the energy stimulus. In an embodiment, the at least one computing
device 230 is configured to control at least one of a duration time, an
amount of energy, an excitation amount, an excitation type, a delivery
location, or a spatial-pattern stimulation configuration associated with
the delivery of the energy stimulus.

[0227] In an embodiment, the system 100 includes, among other things, one
or more memories 250 that, for example, store instructions or data, for
example, volatile memory (e.g., Random Access Memory (RAM) 252, Dynamic
Random Access Memory (DRAM), or the like), non-volatile memory (e.g.,
Read-Only Memory (ROM) 254, Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only
Memory (EEPROM), Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM), or the like),
persistent memory, or the like. Further non-limiting examples of one or
more memories 250 include Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM),
flash memory, or the like. Various components of the catheter device 102
(e.g., memories 250, processors 232, or the like) can be operably coupled
to each other via one or more instruction, data, or power buses 256.

[0228] In an embodiment, the system 100 includes, among other things, one
or more databases 258. In an embodiment, a database 258 includes spectral
information configured as a physical data structure. In an embodiment, a
database 258 includes at least one of inflammation indication parameter
data, infection indication parameter data, diseased tissue indication
parameter data, or the like. In an embodiment, a database 258 includes at
least one of absorption coefficient data, extinction coefficient data,
scattering coefficient data, or the like. In an embodiment, a database
258 includes at least one of stored reference data such as infection
marker data, inflammation marker data, infective stress marker data, a
systemic inflammatory response syndrome data, sepsis marker data, or the
like.

[0229] In an embodiment, a database 258 includes information associated
with a disease state of a biological subject. In an embodiment, a
database 258 includes measurement data. In an embodiment, a database 258
includes at least one of psychosis state indication information,
psychosis trait indication information, or predisposition for a psychosis
indication information. In an embodiment, a database 258 includes at
least one of infection indication information, inflammation indication
information, diseased state indication information, or diseased tissue
indication information. In an embodiment, a database 258 includes at
least one of cryptographic protocol information, regulatory compliance
protocol information (e.g., FDA regulatory compliance protocol
information, or the like), regulatory use protocol information,
authentication protocol information, authorization protocol information,
delivery regimen protocol information, activation protocol information,
encryption protocol information, decryption protocol information,
treatment protocol information, or the like. In an embodiment, a database
258 includes at least one of energy stimulus control delivery
information, energy emitter 220 control information, power control
information, energy waveguide 202 control information, or the like.

[0230] In an embodiment, the system 100 is configured to compare an input
associated with at least one characteristic associated with a biological
subject to a database 258 of stored reference values, and to generate a
response based in part on the comparison. In an embodiment, the system
100 is configured to compare an input associated with at least one
physiological characteristic associated with a biological subject to a
database 258 of stored reference values, and to generate a response based
in part on the comparison.

[0231] In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic associated with a
biological subject includes real-time detected information associated
with a sample (e.g., tissue, biological fluid, infections agent,
biomarker, or the like) proximate a catheter device 102. In an
embodiment, the at least one characteristic associated with a biological
subject includes a measurand detected at a plurality of time intervals.
In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic associated with a
biological subject includes real-time detected information associated
with a sample (e.g., a biological fluid) received within one or more
fluid-flow passageways 110.

[0232] In an embodiment, the system 100 is configured to compare an input
associated with at least one characteristic associated with a biological
sample proximate the catheter device 102 (e.g., received within one or
more fluid-flow passageways 110, on or near a surface of the body
structure 104, or the like) to a database 258 of stored reference values,
and to generate a response based in part on the comparison. In an
embodiment, the response includes at least one of a visual
representation, an audio representation (e.g., an alarm, an audio
waveform representation of a tissue region, or the like), a haptic
representation, and a tactile representation (e.g., a tactile diagram, a
tactile display, a tactile graph, a tactile interactive depiction, a
tactile model (e.g., a multidimensional model of an infected tissue
region, or the like), a tactile pattern (e.g., a refreshable Braille
display), a tactile-audio display, a tactile-audio graph, or the like).
In an embodiment, the response includes generating at least one of a
visual, an audio, a haptic, or a tactile representation of biological
sample spectral information (e.g., biological fluid spectral information,
tissue spectral information, fat spectral information, muscle spectral
information, bone spectral information, blood component spectral
information, biomarker spectral information, infectious agent spectral
information, or the like). In an embodiment, the response includes
generating at least one of a visual, an audio, a haptic, or a tactile
representation of at least one physical or biochemical characteristic
associated with a biological subject.

[0233] In an embodiment, the response includes initiating one or more
treatment protocols. In an embodiment, the response includes activating
one or more sterilization protocols. In an embodiment, the response
includes initiating at least one treatment regimen. In an embodiment, the
response includes delivering an energy stimulus. In an embodiment, the
response includes delivering an active agent. In an embodiment, the
response includes concurrently or sequentially delivering an energy
stimulus and an active agent.

[0234] In an embodiment, the response includes at least one of a response
signal, a control signal, a change to a sterilizing stimulus parameter
(e.g., an electrical sterilizing stimulus, an electromagnetic sterilizing
stimulus, an acoustic sterilizing stimulus, or a thermal sterilizing
stimulus), or the like. In an embodiment, the response includes at least
one of a change in an excitation intensity, a change in an excitation
frequency, a change in an excitation pulse frequency, a change in an
excitation pulse ratio, a change in an excitation pulse intensity, a
change in an excitation pulse duration time, a change in an excitation
pulse repetition rate, or the like.

[0236] In an embodiment, the response includes at least one of activating
an authorization protocol, activating an authentication protocol,
activating a software update protocol, activating a data transfer
protocol, or activating an infection sterilization diagnostic protocol.
In an embodiment, the response includes sending information associated
with at least one of an authentication protocol, an authorization
protocol, a delivery protocol, an activation protocol, an encryption
protocol, or a decryption protocol.

[0237] In an embodiment, a database 258 includes at least one of stored
reference data such as characteristic biological sample (e.g.,
cerebrospinal fluid) component signature data, characteristic blood
component signature data, characteristic tissue signature data, or the
like. In an embodiment, a database 258 includes information indicative of
one or more spectral events associated with transmitted optical energy or
a remitted optical energy from at least one of a biological tissue or
biological fluid.

[0239] In an embodiment, a database 258 includes at least one of
inflammation indication parameter data, infection indication parameter
data, diseased tissue indication parameter data, or the like. In an
embodiment, a database 258 includes at least one of absorption
coefficient data, extinction coefficient data, scattering coefficient
data, or the like. In an embodiment, a database 258 includes stored
reference data such as characteristic spectral signature data. In an
embodiment, a database 258 includes stored reference data such as
infection marker data, inflammation marker data, infective stress marker
data, a systemic inflammatory response syndrome data, sepsis marker data,
or the like. In an embodiment, a database 258 includes information
associated with a disease state of a biological subject. In an
embodiment, a database 258 includes user-specific measurement data.

[0240] In an embodiment, the system 100 is configured to compare an input
associated with a biological subject to a database 258 of stored
reference values, and to generate a response based in part on the
comparison. In an embodiment, the system 100 is configured to compare an
output of one or more of the plurality of logic components and to
determine at least one parameter associated with a cluster centroid
deviation derived from the comparison. In an embodiment, the system 100
is configured to compare a measurand associated with the biological
subject to a threshold value associated with a spectral model and to
generate a response based on the comparison. In an embodiment, the system
100 is configured to generate the response based on the comparison of a
measurand that modulates with a detected heart beat of the biological
subject to a target value associated with a spectral model.

[0241] In an embodiment, the system 100 is configured to compare the
measurand associated with the biological subject to the threshold value
associated with a spectral model and to generate a real-time estimation
of an infection state based on the comparison. In an embodiment, the
system 100 is configured to compare an input associated with at least one
characteristic associated with, for example, a tissue proximate a
catheter device 102 to a database 258 of stored reference values, and to
generate a response based in part on the comparison.

[0242] In an embodiment, the system 100 includes, among other things, one
or more data structures (e.g., physical data structures) 260. In an
embodiment, a data structure 260 includes information associated with at
least one parameter associated with a tissue water content, an
oxy-hemoglobin concentration, a deoxyhemoglobin concentration, an
oxygenated hemoglobin absorption parameter, a deoxygenated hemoglobin
absorption parameter, a tissue light scattering parameter, a tissue light
absorption parameter, a hematological parameter, a pH level, or the like.
In an embodiment, the system 100 includes, among other things, at least
one of inflammation indication parameter data, infection indication
parameter data, diseased tissue indication parameter data, or the like
configured as a data structure 260. In an embodiment, a data structure
260 includes information associated with least one parameter associated
with a cytokine plasma concentration or an acute phase protein plasma
concentration. In an embodiment, a data structure 260 includes
information associated with a disease state of a biological subject. In
an embodiment, a data structure 260 includes measurement data. In an
embodiment, the computing device 230 includes a processor 232 configured
to execute instructions, and a memory 250 that stores instructions
configured to cause the processor 232 to generate a second response from
information encoded in a data structure 260.

[0243] In an embodiment, the system 100 includes, among other things, one
or more computer-readable memory media (CRMM) 262 having biofilm marker
information configured as a data structure 260. In an embodiment, the
data structure 260 includes a characteristic information section having
characteristic microbial colonization spectral information representative
of the presence of a microbial colonization proximate at least one of the
outer surface 106 or the inner surface 108 of the body structure 104. In
an embodiment, the data structure 260 includes infection marker
information. In an embodiment, the data structure 260 includes biofilm
marker information.

[0244] In an embodiment, the data structure 260 includes a characteristic
information component including metabolite information associated with a
microorganism colonization event. In an embodiment, the data structure
260 includes a characteristic information component including temporal
metabolite information or spatial metabolite information associated with
a microorganism colonization event. In an embodiment, the data structure
260 includes a characteristic information component including oxygen
concentration gradient information associated with a microorganism
colonization event. In an embodiment, the data structure 260 includes a
characteristic information component including pH information associated
with a microorganism colonization event. In an embodiment, the data
structure 260 includes a characteristic information component including
nutrient information associated with a microorganism colonization event.
In an embodiment, the data structure 260 includes a characteristic
information component including spectral information associate with a
biofilm-specific tag.

[0245] In an embodiment, the data structure 260 includes a characteristic
information component including optical density information. In an
embodiment, the data structure 260 includes a characteristic information
component including opacity information. In an embodiment, the data
structure 260 includes a characteristic information component including
refractivity information. In an embodiment, the data structure 260
includes a characteristic information component including characteristic
infection marker spectral information. In an embodiment, the data
structure 260 includes a characteristic information component including
characteristic infective stress marker spectral information. In an
embodiment, the data structure 260 includes a characteristic information
component including characteristic sepsis maker spectral information.

[0246] In an embodiment, the data structure 260 includes at least one of
psychosis state marker information, psychosis trait marker information,
or psychosis indication information. In an embodiment, the data structure
260 includes at least one of psychosis state indication information,
psychosis trait indication information, or predisposition for a psychosis
indication information. In an embodiment, the data structure 260 includes
at least one of infection indication information, inflammation indication
information, diseased state indication information, or diseased tissue
indication information.

[0247] In an embodiment, a data structure 260 includes biological sample
spectral information. In an embodiment, the data structure 260 includes
one or more heuristically determined parameters associated with at least
one in vivo or in vitro determined metric. For example, information
associated with a biological sample can be determined by one or more in
vivo or in vitro technologies or methodologies including, for example,
remittance (reflectance, etc.) spectroscopy, high-resolution proton
magnetic resonance spectroscopy, nanoprobe nuclear magnetic resonance
spectroscopy, in vivo micro-dialysis, flow cytometry, or the like.
Non-limiting examples of heuristics include a heuristic protocol,
heuristic algorithm, threshold information, a threshold level, a target
parameter, or the like. in an embodiment, the system 100 includes, among
other things, a means for generating one or more heuristically determined
parameters associated with at least one in vivo or in vitro determined
metric including at least one computing device 230 and one or more data
structures 260 having heuristic modeling information. In an embodiment,
the system 100 includes, among other things, a means for generating a
response based on a comparison, of a detected at least one of an emitted
energy or a remitted energy to at least one heuristically determined
parameter, including at least one computing device 230, one or more
sensor components 502, or one or more data structures 260. In an
embodiment, the system 100 includes, among other things, means for
generating a response based on a comparison, of a detected at least one
of an emitted energy or a remitted energy to at least one heuristically
determined parameter, including one or more computing devices 230 and one
or more data structures 260 configured with characteristic information.

[0248] In an embodiment, a data structure 260 includes one or more
heuristics. In an embodiment, the one or more heuristics include a
heuristic for determining a rate of change associated with at least one
physical parameter associated with a biological sample. For example, in
an embodiment, the one or more heuristics include a heuristic for
determining the presence of an infectious agent. In an embodiment, the
one or more heuristics include a heuristic for determining at least one
dimension of an infected tissue region. In an embodiment, the one or more
heuristics include a heuristic for determining a location of an
infection. In an embodiment, the one or more heuristics include a
heuristic for determining a rate of change associated with a biochemical
marker within the one or more fluid-flow passageways 110.

[0249] In an embodiment, the one or more heuristics include a heuristic
for determining a biochemical marker aggregation rate. In an embodiment,
the one or more heuristics include a heuristic for determining a type of
biochemical marker. In an embodiment, the one or more heuristics include
a heuristic for generating at least one initial parameter. In an
embodiment, the one or more heuristics include a heuristic for forming an
initial parameter set from one or more initial parameters. In an
embodiment, the one or more heuristics include a heuristic for generating
at least one initial parameter, and for forming an initial parameter set
from the at least one initial parameter. In an embodiment, the one or
more heuristics include at least one pattern classification and
regression protocol.

[0250] In an embodiment, a data structure 260 includes information
associated with at least one parameter associated with a tissue water
content, an oxy-hemoglobin concentration, a deoxyhemoglobin
concentration, an oxygenated hemoglobin absorption parameter, a
deoxygenated hemoglobin absorption parameter, a tissue light scattering
parameter, a tissue light absorption parameter, a hematological
parameter, a pH level, or the like. In an embodiment, the system 100
includes, among other things, at least one of inflammation indication
parameter data, infection indication parameter data, diseased tissue
indication parameter data, or the like configured as a data structure
260. In an embodiment, a data structure 260 includes information
associated with least one parameter associated with a cytokine plasma
concentration or an acute phase protein plasma concentration. In an
embodiment, a data structure 260 includes information associated with a
disease state of a biological subject. In an embodiment, a data structure
260 includes measurement data.

[0251] Referring to FIG. 5, in an embodiment, the system 100 includes,
among other things, one or more computer-readable media drives 264,
interface sockets, Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports, memory card slots,
or the like, or one or more input/output components 266 such as, for
example, a graphical user interface 268, a display, a keyboard 270, a
keypad, a trackball, a joystick, a touch-screen, a mouse, a switch, a
dial, or the like, and any other peripheral device. In an embodiment, the
system 100 includes one or more user input/output components 266 that
operably couple to at least one computing device 230 to control
(electrical, electromechanical, software-implemented,
firmware-implemented, or other control, or combinations thereof) at least
one parameter associated with the energy delivery associated with one or
more of the energy emitters 220.

[0252] In an embodiment, the system 100 includes, among other things, one
or more modules optionally operable for communication with one or more
input/output components 266 that are configured to relay user output
and/or input. In an embodiment, a module includes one or more instances
of electrical, electromechanical, software-implemented,
firmware-implemented, or other control devices. Such devices include one
or more instances of memory 250, computing devices 230, ports, valves,
fuses, antifuses, antennas, power, or other supplies; logic modules or
other signaling modules; gauges or other such active or passive detection
components; or piezoelectric transducers, shape memory elements,
micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) elements, or other actuators.

[0254] In an embodiment, the system 100 includes signal-bearing media in
the form of one or more logic devices (e.g., programmable logic devices,
complex programmable logic device, field-programmable gate arrays,
application specific integrated circuits, or the like) comprising, for
example, a data structure 260 including one or more look-up tables. In an
embodiment, the system 100 includes, among other things, signal-bearing
media having sample information (e.g., biological sample information,
reference information, characteristic spectral information, or the like)
configured as a data structure 260. In an embodiment, the data structure
260 includes at least one of psychosis state indication information,
psychosis trait indication information, or predisposition for a psychosis
indication information. In an embodiment, the data structure 260 includes
at least one of infection indication information, inflammation indication
information, diseased state indication information, or diseased tissue
indication information.

[0255] Referring to FIG. 5, in an embodiment, the system 100 includes,
among other things, at least one sensor component 502. In an embodiment,
the catheter device 102 includes at least one sensor component 502. In an
embodiment, the sensor component 502 is configured to detect (e.g.,
assess, calculate, evaluate, determine, gauge, measure, monitor,
quantify, resolve, sense, or the like) at least one characteristic (e.g.,
a spectral characteristic, a spectral signature, a physical quantity, a
relative quantity, an environmental attribute, a physiologic
characteristic, or the like) associated with a biological subject. In an
embodiment, the sensor component 502 is configured to perform a real-time
comparison of a measurand associated with a biological sample proximate
the catheter device 102 to stored reference data and to generate a
response based on the comparison.

[0256] In an embodiment, the sensor component 502 is operably coupled to
one or more computing device 230. In an embodiment, at least one
computing device 230 is operably coupled to the sensor component 502 and
configured to process an output associated with one or more sensor
measurands. In an embodiment, at least one computing devices 230 is
configured to concurrently or sequentially operate multiple sensor
components 502. In an embodiment, the sensor component 502 includes a
computing device 230 configured to process sensor measurand information
and configured to cause the storing of the measurand information in a
data storage medium. In an embodiment, the sensor component 502 includes
a component identification code and is configured to implement
instructions addressed to the sensor component 502 according to the
component identification code.

[0257] In an embodiment, the sensor component 502 includes one or more
surface plasmon resonance sensors. For example, in an embodiment, the
sensor component 502 includes one or more localized surface plasmon
resonance sensors. In an embodiment, the sensor component 502 includes a
light transmissive support and a reflective metal layer. In an
embodiment, the sensor component 502 includes a wavelength-tunable
surface plasmon resonance sensor. In an embodiment, the sensor component
502 includes a surface plasmon resonance microarray sensor having a
wavelength-tunable metal-coated grating. In an embodiment, the sensor
component 502 includes a surface plasmon resonance microarray sensor
having an array of micro-regions configured to capture target molecules.

[0258] In an embodiment, the sensor component 502 includes one or more
electrochemical transducers, optical transducers, piezoelectric
transducers, or thermal transducers. For example, in an embodiment, the
sensor component 502 includes one or more transducers configured to
detect acoustic waves associated with changes in a biological mass
present proximate a surface of the body structure 104.

[0259] In an embodiment, the sensor component 502 includes one or more
thermal detectors, photovoltaic detectors, or photomultiplier detectors.
In an embodiment, the sensor component 502 includes one or more
charge-coupled devices, complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor devices,
photodiode image sensor devices, whispering gallery mode micro cavity
devices, or scintillation detector devices. In an embodiment, the sensor
component 502 includes one or more ultrasonic transducers. In an
embodiment, the sensor component 502 includes at least one of a
charge-coupled device, a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor device,
a photodiode image sensor device, a Whispering Gallery Mode (WGM) micro
cavity device, and a scintillation detector device.

[0260] In an embodiment, the sensor component 502 includes at least one of
an imaging spectrometer, a photo-acoustic imaging spectrometer, a
thermo-acoustic imaging spectrometer, or a photo-acoustic/thermo-acoustic
tomographic imaging spectrometer. In an embodiment, the sensor component
502 includes at least one of a thermal detector, a photovoltaic detector,
or a photomultiplier detector.

[0261] In an embodiment, the sensor component 502 includes one or more
density sensors. In an embodiment, the sensor component 502 includes one
or more optical density sensors. In an embodiment, the sensor component
502 includes one or more refractive index sensors. In an embodiment, the
sensor component 502 includes one or more fiber optic refractive index
sensors.

[0262] In an embodiment, the sensor component 502 includes one or more
acoustic biosensors, amperometric biosensors, calorimetric biosensors,
optical biosensors, or potentiometric biosensors. In an embodiment, the
sensor component 502 includes one or more fluid flow sensors. In an
embodiment, the sensor component 502 includes one or more differential
electrodes, biomass sensors, immunosensors, or the like. In an
embodiment, the sensor component 502 includes one or more one-, two-, or
three-dimensional photodiode arrays.

[0263] In an embodiment, the sensor component 502 is operably coupled to a
microorganism colonization biomarker array. In an embodiment, the sensor
component 502 includes one or more functionalized cantilevers. In an
embodiment, the sensor component 502 includes a biological molecule
capture layer. In an embodiment, the sensor component 502 includes a
biological molecule capture layer having an array of different binding
molecules that specifically bind one or more target molecules. In an
embodiment, the sensor component 502 includes one or more computing
devices 230 operably coupled to one or more sensors. For example, in an
embodiment, the sensor component 502 includes a computing device 230
operably coupled to one or more surface plasmon resonance microarray
sensors.

[0264] In an embodiment, the sensor component 502 is configured to detect
at least one characteristic associated with a biological subject. In an
embodiment, the sensor component 502 is configured to detect at least one
characteristic associated with a biological specimen proximate a surface
of the catheter device 102. For example, in an embodiment, the sensor
component 502 is configured to detect at least one characteristic
associated with a tissue proximate the catheter device 102.

[0265] In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes at least
one of a transmittance, an energy frequency change, a frequency shift, an
energy phase change, or a phase shift. In an embodiment, the at least one
characteristic includes at least one of a fluorescence, an intrinsic
fluorescence, a tissue fluorescence, or a naturally occurring fluorophore
fluorescence. In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes
at least one of an electrical conductivity, electrical polarizability, or
an electrical permittivity. In an embodiment, the at least one
characteristic includes at least one of a thermal conductivity, a thermal
diffusivity, a tissue temperature, or a regional temperature.

[0266] In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes at least
one parameter associated with a doppler optical coherence tomograph.
(See, e.g., Li et al., Feasibility of Interstitial Doppler Optical
Coherence Tomography for In vivo Detection of Microvascular Changes
During Photodynamic Therapy, Lasers in surgery and medicine 38
(8):754-61. (2006); see, also U.S. Pat. No. 7,365,859 (issued Apr. 29,
2008); each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0268] In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes at least
one parameter associated with a medical state (e.g., medical condition,
disease state, disease attributes, etc.). Inflammation is a complex
biological response to insults that can arise from, for example,
chemical, traumatic, or infectious stimuli. It is a protective attempt by
an organism to isolate and eradicate the injurious stimuli as well as to
initiate the process of tissue repair. The events in the inflammatory
response are initiated by a complex series of interactions involving
inflammatory mediators, including those released by immune cells and
other cells of the body. Histamines and eicosanoids, such as
prostaglandins and leukotrienes, act on blood vessels at the site of
infection to localize blood flow, concentrate plasma proteins, and
increase capillary permeability.

[0269] Chemotactic factors, including certain eicosanoids, complement, and
especially cytokines known as chemokines, attract particular leukocytes
to the site of infection. Other inflammatory mediators, including some
released by the summoned leukocytes, function locally and systemically to
promote the inflammatory response. Platelet activating factors and
related mediators function in clotting, which aids in localization and
can trap pathogens. Certain cytokines, interleukins and TNF, induce
further trafficking and extravasation of immune cells, hematopoiesis,
fever, and production of acute phase proteins. Once signaled, some cells
and/or their products directly affect the offending pathogens, for
example by inducing phagocytosis of bacteria or, as with interferon,
providing antiviral effects by shutting down protein synthesis in the
host cells.

[0270] Oxygen radicals, cytotoxic factors, and growth factors can also be
released to fight pathogen infection or to facilitate tissue healing.
This cascade of biochemical events propagates and matures the
inflammatory response, involving the local vascular system, the immune
system, and various cells within the injured tissue. Under normal
circumstances, through a complex process of mediator-regulated
pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory signals, the inflammatory response
eventually resolves itself and subsides. For example, the transient and
localized swelling associated with a cut is an example of an acute
inflammatory response. However, in certain cases resolution does not
occur as expected. Prolonged inflammation, known as chronic inflammation,
leads to a progressive shift in the type of cells present at the site of
inflammation and is characterized by simultaneous destruction and healing
of the tissue from the inflammatory process, as directed by certain
mediators. Rheumatoid arthritis is an example of a disease associated
with persistent and chronic inflammation.

[0271] Non-limiting suitable techniques for optically measuring a diseased
state may be found in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,167,734 (issued Jan.
23, 2007), which is incorporated herein by reference. In an embodiment,
the at least one characteristic includes at least one of an
electromagnetic energy absorption parameter, an electromagnetic energy
emission parameter, an electromagnetic energy scattering parameter, an
electromagnetic energy reflectance parameter, or an electromagnetic
energy depolarization parameter. In an embodiment, the at least one
characteristic includes at least one of an absorption coefficient, an
extinction coefficient, or a scattering coefficient.

[0272] In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes at least
one parameter associated with an infection marker (e.g., an infectious
agent marker), an inflammation marker, an infective stress marker, a
systemic inflammatory response syndrome marker, or a sepsis marker.
Non-limiting examples of infection makers, inflammation markers, or the
like may be found in, for example, Imam et al., Radiotracers for imaging
of infection and inflammation--A Review, World J. Nucl. Med. 40-55
(2006), which is incorporated herein by reference. Non-limiting
characteristics associated with an infection marker, an inflammation
marker, an infective stress marker, a systemic inflammatory response
syndrome marker, or a sepsis marker include at least one of an
inflammation indication parameter, an infection indication parameter, a
diseased state indication parameter, or a diseased tissue indication
parameter.

[0273] In an embodiment, the response includes generating a visual, an
audio, a haptic, or a tactile representation of at least one spectral
parameter associated with a detected infection marker. In an embodiment,
the response includes generating a visual, an audio, a haptic, or a
tactile representation of at least one physical parameter indicative of
at least one dimension of infected tissue region.

[0274] In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes at least
one of a tissue water content, an oxy-hemoglobin concentration, a
deoxyhemoglobin concentration, an oxygenated hemoglobin absorption
parameter, a deoxygenated hemoglobin absorption parameter, a tissue light
scattering parameter, a tissue light absorption parameter, a
hematological parameter, or a pH level.

[0275] In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes at least
one hematological parameter. Non-limiting examples of hematological
parameters include an albumin level, a blood urea level, a blood glucose
level, a globulin level, a hemoglobin level, erythrocyte count, a
leukocyte count, or the like. In an embodiment, the infection marker
includes at least one parameter associated with a red blood cell count, a
lymphocyte level, a leukocyte count, a myeloid cell count, an erythrocyte
sedimentation rate, or a C-reactive protein level. In an embodiment, the
at least one characteristic includes at least one parameter associated
with a cytokine plasma level or an acute phase protein plasma level. In
an embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes at least one
parameter associated with a leukocyte level.

[0276] In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes a
spectral parameter associated with a biofilm-specific tag. In an
embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes an optical density.
In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes an opacity. In
an embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes a refractivity.
In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes an absorbance,
reflectance, or a transmittance. In an embodiment, the at least one
characteristic includes at least one of an inflammation indication
parameter, an infection indication parameter, a diseased state indication
parameter, or a diseased tissue indication parameter. In an embodiment,
the at least one characteristic includes at least one of an
electromagnetic energy absorption parameter, an electromagnetic energy
emission parameter, an electromagnetic energy scattering parameter, an
electromagnetic energy reflectance parameter, or an electromagnetic
energy depolarization parameter. In an embodiment, the at least one
characteristic includes at least one an absorption coefficient, an
extinction coefficient, a scattering coefficient, or a fluorescence
coefficient. In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes
at least at least one of parameter associated with a biomarker, an
infection marker, an inflammation marker, an infective stress marker, or
a sepsis marker.

[0277] In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes at least
one of an electromagnetic energy phase shift parameter, an
electromagnetic energy dephasing parameter, or an electromagnetic energy
depolarization parameter. In an embodiment, the at least one
characteristic associated includes at least one of an absorbance, a
reflectivity, or a transmittance. In an embodiment, the at least one
characteristic associated includes at least one of a refraction or a
scattering.

[0278] In an embodiment, the sensor component 502 is configured to
determine at least one characteristic associated with one or more
biological markers or biological components (e.g., cerebrospinal fluid
components, blood components, or the like). In an embodiment, the sensor
component 502 is configured to determine at least one characteristic
associated with a tissue proximate the catheter device 102. In an
embodiment, the sensor component 502 is configured to determine a spatial
dependence associated with the least one characteristic. In an
embodiment, the sensor component 502 is configured to determine a
temporal dependence associated with the least one characteristic. In an
embodiment, the sensor component 502 is configured to concurrently or
sequentially determine at least one spatial dependence associated with
the least one characteristic and at least one temporal dependence
associated with the least one characteristic.

[0279] In an embodiment, the sensor component 502 is configured to
determine at least one spectral parameter associated with one or more
imaging probes (e.g., chromophores, fluorescent agents, fluorescent
marker, fluorophores, molecular imaging probes, quantum dots, or
radio-frequency identification transponders (RFIDs), x-ray contrast
agents, or the like). In an embodiment, the sensor component 502 is
configured to determine at least one characteristic associated with one
or more imaging probes attached, targeted to, conjugated, bound, or
associated with at least one inflammation markers. See, e.g., the
following documents: Jaffer et al., Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol.
2002; 22; 1929-1935 (2002); Kalchenko et al., J. of Biomed. Opt. 11
(5):50507 (2006); each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0280] In an embodiment, the one or more imaging probes include at least
one carbocyanine dye label. In an embodiment, the sensor component 502 is
configured to determine at least one characteristic associated with one
or more imaging probes attached, targeted to, conjugated, bound, or
associated with at least one biomarker or biological sample component.

[0281] In an embodiment, the one or more imaging probes include at least
one fluorescent agent. In an embodiment, the one or more imaging probes
include at least one quantum dot. In an embodiment, the one or more
imaging probes include at least one radio-frequency identification
transponder. In an embodiment, the one or more imaging probes include at
least one x-ray contrast agent. In an embodiment, the one or more imaging
probes include at least one molecular imaging probe.

[0285] In an embodiment, the sensor component 502 is configured to detect
a spectral response (e.g., an emitted energy, a remitted energy, an
energy absorption profile, energy emission profile, or the like)
associated with a biomarker. Among biomarker examples include, but are
not limited to, one or more substances that are measurable indicators of
a biological state and can be used as indicators of normal disease state,
pathological disease state, and/or risk of progressing to a pathological
disease state. In some instances, a biomarker can be a normal blood
component that is increased or decreased in the pathological state. A
biomarker can also be a substance that is not normally detected in
biological sample, fluid, or tissue, but is released into circulation
because of the pathological state. In some instances, a biomarker can be
used to predict the risk of developing a pathological state. For example,
plasma measurement of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2)
is approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for predicting
the risk of first time stroke.

[0286] In other instances, the biomarker can be used to diagnose an acute
pathological state. For example, elevated plasma levels of S-100b, B-type
neurotrophic growth factor (BNGF), von Willebrand factor (vWF), matrix
metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1
(MCP-1) are highly correlated with the diagnosis of stroke (see, e.g.,
Reynolds, et al., Early biomarkers of stroke. Clin. Chem. 49:1733-1739
(2003), which is incorporated herein by reference).

[0287] In an embodiment, the sensor component 502 is configured to detect
at least one characteristic associated with one or more biological sample
components. In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes at
least one of absorption coefficient information, extinction coefficient
information, or scattering coefficient information associated with the at
least one molecular probe. In an embodiment, the at least one
characteristic includes spectral information indicative of a rate of
change, an accumulation rate, an aggregation rate, or a rate of change
associated with at least one physical parameter associated with a
biological sample component.

[0288] In an embodiment, the sensor component 502 is configured to detect
spectral information associated with a real-time change in one or more
parameters associated with a biological sample. For example, in an
embodiment, the sensor component 502 is configured to detect at least one
of an emitted energy or a remitted energy associated with a real-time
change in one or more parameters associated with a biological sample
within one or more regions in the immediate vicinity of a catheter device
102. In an embodiment, the sensor component 502 includes one or more
transducers 223a configured to detect sound waves associated with changes
in a biological sample present proximate at least one of the outer
surface and the inner surface of the body structure.

[0289] In an embodiment, the sensor component 502 is configured to detect
at least one of an emitted energy or a remitted energy. In an embodiment,
the sensor component 502 is configured to detect at least one of an
emitted energy or a remitted energy associated with a biological subject.
In an embodiment, the sensor component 502 is configured to detect an
optical energy absorption profile of a target sample, a portion of a
tissue, or portion of a biological sample within the biological subject.
In an embodiment, the sensor component 502 is configured to detect an
excitation radiation and an emission radiation associated with a portion
of a target sample, a portion of a tissue, or portion of a biological
sample within the biological subject. In an embodiment, the sensor
component 502 is configured to detect at least one of an energy
absorption profile and an energy reflection profile of a region within a
biological subject.

[0290] In an embodiment, the sensor component 502 is configured to detect
a spectral response from tissue of a biological subject. Blood is a
tissue composed of, among other components, formed elements (e.g., blood
cells such as erythrocytes, leukocytes, thrombocytes, or the like)
suspend in a matrix (plasma). The heart, blood vessels (e.g., arteries,
arterioles, capillaries, veins, venules, or the like), and blood
components, make up the cardiovascular system. The cardiovascular system,
among other things, moves oxygen, gases, and wastes to and from cells and
tissues, maintains homeostasis by stabilizing body temperature and pH,
and helps fight diseases.

[0291] In an embodiment, the sensor component 502 is configured to detect
at least one of an emitted energy or a remitted energy associated with a
portion of a cardiovascular system. In an embodiment, the sensor
component 502 is configured to detect at least one of an emitted energy
and a remitted energy associated with one or more blood components within
a biological subject. In an embodiment, the sensor component 502 is
configured to detect at least one of an emitted energy or a remitted
energy associated with one or more formed elements within a biological
subject. In an embodiment, the sensor component 502 is configured to
detect spectral information associated with one or more blood components.
In an embodiment, the sensor component 502 is configured to detect at
least one of an emitted energy or a remitted energy associated with a
real-time change in one or more parameters associated with at least one
blood component within a biological subject. In an embodiment, the sensor
component 502 is configured to detect an energy absorption of one or more
blood components.

[0299] In an embodiment, the sensor component 502 is in optical
communication along an optical path with at least one of the one or more
energy emitters 220. In an embodiment, one or more of the energy emitters
220 are configured to direct an in vivo generated pulsed energy stimulus
along an optical path for a duration sufficient to interact with one or
more regions within the biological subject and for a duration sufficient
for a portion of the in vivo generated pulsed energy stimulus to reach a
portion of the sensor component 502 that is in optical communication
along the optical path. In an embodiment, one or more of the energy
emitters 220 are configured to direct optical energy along an optical
path for a duration sufficient to interact with one or more regions
within the biological subject and with at least a portion of the optical
energy sensor component 502. In an embodiment, one or more of the energy
emitters 220 are configured to emit a pulsed optical energy stimulus
along an optical path for a duration sufficient to interact with a sample
received within the one or more fluid-flow passageways 110, such that a
portion of the pulsed optical energy stimulus is directed to a portion of
the sensor component 502 that is in optical communication along the
optical path.

[0300] In an embodiment, the system 100 includes one or more sensors 504.
In an embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes one or more of the
sensors 504. In an embodiment, the sensor component 502 includes one or
more sensors 504.

[0303] Further non-limiting examples of sensors 504 include chemical
transducers, ion sensitive field effect transistors (ISFETs), ISFET pH
sensors, membrane-ISFET devices (MEMFET), microelectronic ion-sensitive
devices, potentiometric ion sensors, quadruple-function ChemFET
(chemical-sensitive field-effect transistor) integrated-circuit sensors,
sensors with ion-sensitivity and selectivity to different ionic species,
or the like. Further non-limiting examples of the one or more sensors 504
can be found in the following documents (each of which is incorporated
herein by reference): U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,396,676 (issued Jul. 8, 2008) and
6,831,748 (issued Dec. 14, 2004); each of which is incorporated herein by
reference.

[0304] In an embodiment, the one or more sensors 504 include one or more
acoustic transducers, electrochemical transducers, photochemical
transducer, optical transducers, piezoelectrical transducers, or thermal
transducers. For example, in an embodiment, the one or more sensors 504
include one or more acoustic transducers. In an embodiment, the one or
more sensors 504 include one or more thermal detectors, photovoltaic
detectors, or photomultiplier detectors. In an embodiment, the one or
more sensors 504 include one or more charge coupled devices,
complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor devices, photodiode image sensor
devices, whispering gallery mode micro cavity devices, or scintillation
detector devices. In an embodiment, the one or more sensors 504 include
one or more complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor image sensors.

[0305] In an embodiment, the one or more sensors 504 include one or more
conductivity sensor. In an embodiment, the one or more sensors 504
include one or more spectrometers. In an embodiment, the one or more
sensors include one or more Bayer sensors. In an embodiment, the one or
more sensors include one or more Foveon sensors. In an embodiment, the
one or more sensors 504 include one or more density sensors. In an
embodiment, the one or more density sensors include one or more optical
density sensors. In an embodiment, the one or more density sensors
include one or more refractive index sensors. In an embodiment, the one
or more refractive index sensors include one or more fiber optic
refractive index sensors.

[0306] In an embodiment, the one or more sensors 504 include one or more
surface plasmon resonance sensors. In an embodiment, the one or more
sensors 504 are configured to detect target molecules. For example,
surface-plasmon-resonance-based-sensors detect target molecules suspended
in a fluid, for example, by reflecting light off thin metal films in
contact with the fluid. Adsorbing molecules cause changes in the local
index of refraction, resulting in detectable changes in the resonance
conditions of the surface plasmon waves.

[0307] In an embodiment, the one or more sensors 504 include one or more
localized surface plasmon resonance sensors. In an embodiment, detection
of target molecules includes monitoring shifts in the resonance
conditions of the surface plasmon waves due to changes in the local index
of refraction associates with adsorption of target molecules. In an
embodiment, the one or more sensors 504 include one or more
functionalized cantilevers. In an embodiment, the one or more sensors 504
include a light transmissive support and a reflective metal layer. In an
embodiment, the one or more sensors 504 include a biological molecule
capture layer. In an embodiment, the biological molecule capture layer
includes an array of different binding molecules that specifically bind
one or more target molecules. In an embodiment, the one or more sensors
504 include a surface plasmon resonance microarray sensor having an array
of micro-regions configured to capture target molecules.

[0308] In an embodiment, the one or more sensors 504 include one or more
acoustic biosensors, amperometric biosensors, calorimetric biosensors,
optical biosensors, or potentiometric biosensors. In an embodiment, the
one or more sensors 504 include one or more fluid flow sensors. In an
embodiment, the one or more sensors 504 include one or more differential
electrodes. In an embodiment, the one or more sensors 504 include one or
more biomass sensors. In an embodiment, the one or more sensors 504
include one or more immunosensors.

[0309] In an embodiment, one or more of the sensors 504 are configured to
detect at least one characteristic associated with a biological subject.
In an embodiment, one or more of the sensors 504 are configured to detect
at least one characteristic associated with a biological sample (e.g.,
tissue, biological fluid, target sample, or the like). For example, in an
embodiment, at least one of the one or more sensors 504 is configured to
detect at least one characteristic associated with a biological sample
proximate a surface (e.g., outer surface 108 or inner surface 110, or the
like) of the catheter device 102. In an embodiment, one or more of the
sensors 504 are configured to detect at least one of a characteristic of
a biological sample proximate the catheter device 102, a characteristic
of a tissue proximate the catheter device 102, and a physiological
characteristic of the biological subject. In an embodiment, one or more
of the sensors 504 are configured to determine one or more tissue
spectroscopic properties, such as, for example, a transport scattering
coefficient, an extinction coefficient, an absorption coefficient, a
remittance, a transmittance, or the like.

[0310] In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes a
physiological characteristic of the biological subject. Physiological
characteristics such as, for example pH can be used to assess blood flow,
a cell metabolic state (e.g., anaerobic metabolism, or the like), the
presence of an infectious agent, a disease state, or the like. Among
physiological characteristics examples include, but are not limited to,
at least one of a temperature, a regional or local temperature, a pH, an
impedance, a density, a sodium ion level, a calcium ion level, a
potassium ion level, a glucose level, a lipoprotein level, a cholesterol
level, a triglyceride level, a hormone level, a blood oxygen level, a
pulse rate, a blood pressure, an intracranial pressure, a respiratory
rate, a vital statistic, or the like.

[0311] In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes at least
one of a temperature, a pH, an impedance, a density, a sodium ion level,
a calcium ion level, a potassium ion level, a glucose level, a
lipoprotein level, a cholesterol level, a triglyceride level, a hormone
level, a blood oxygen level, a pulse rate, a blood pressure, an
intracranial pressure, or a respiratory rate. In an embodiment, the at
least one characteristic includes at least one hematological parameter.
In an embodiment, the hematological parameter is associated with a
hematological abnormality.

[0312] In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes one or
more parameters associated with at least one of leukopenia, leukophilia,
lymphocytopenia, lymphocytophilia, neutropenia, neutrophilia,
thrombocytopenia, disseminated intravascular coagulation, bacteremia, and
viremia. In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes at
least one of an infection marker, an inflammation marker, an infective
stress marker, a systemic inflammatory response syndrome marker, or a
sepsis marker. In an embodiment, the infection marker includes at least
one of a red blood cell count, a lymphocyte level, a leukocyte count, a
myeloid count, an erythrocyte sedimentation rate, or a C-reactive protein
level. In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes at
least one of a cytokine plasma concentration or an acute phase protein
plasma concentration.

[0313] In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes a
characteristic associated with tissue proximate the catheter device 102.
In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes a
characteristic associated with a biological sample. In an embodiment, the
at least one characteristic includes a characteristic of a specimen of
the biological subject. In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic
includes one or more spectroscopic properties (e.g., tissue spectroscopic
properties, biological fluid spectroscopic properties, infectious agent
spectroscopic properties, biomarker spectroscopic properties, or the
like). In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes at
least one characteristic (e.g., a spectral characteristic, a spectral
signature, a physical quantity, a relative quantity, an environmental
attribute, a physiologic characteristic, or the like) associated with a
region within the biological subject. In an embodiment, the at least one
characteristic includes a characteristic associated with a fluid-flow
passageway 110 obstruction, a hematological abnormality, or a body fluid
flow abnormality (e.g., a cerebrospinal fluid abnormality).

[0314] In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes a
characteristic associated with a biological fluid flow vessel. In an
embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes a characteristic
associated with one or more biological sample components. In an
embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes a characteristic
associated with one or more imaging probes attached, targeted to,
conjugated, bound, or associated with at least one inflammation markers.
In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes a
characteristic associated with one or more imaging probes attached,
targeted to, conjugated, bound, or associated with at least one blood
components. In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes a
characteristic associated with one or more blood components.

[0315] In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes at least
one parameter associated with an amount of energy-activatable
disinfecting agent present in at least a portion of the tissue proximate
a surface of the catheter device 102. In an embodiment, the at least one
characteristic includes at least one of a sodium ion content, a chloride
content, a superoxide anion content, or a hydrogen peroxide content. In
an embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes at least one
parameter associated with a tissue water content, an oxy-hemoglobin
concentration, a deoxyhemoglobin concentration, an oxygenated hemoglobin
absorption parameter, a deoxygenated hemoglobin absorption parameter, a
tissue light scattering parameter, a tissue light absorption parameter, a
hematological parameter, or a pH level. In an embodiment, the at least
one characteristic includes at least one parameter associated with a
cytokine plasma concentration or an acute phase protein plasma
concentration. In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes
at least one parameter associated with a leukocyte level.

[0316] In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes at least
one of a transmittance, an energy stimulus frequency change, energy
stimulus frequency shift, an energy stimulus phase change, and energy
stimulus phase shift. In an embodiment; the at least one characteristic
includes at least one of a fluorescence, an intrinsic fluorescence, a
tissue fluorescence, or a naturally occurring fluorophore fluorescence.
In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes at least one
of an electrical conductivity, electrical polarizability, or an
electrical permittivity. In an embodiment, the at least one
characteristic includes at least one of a thermal conductivity, a thermal
diffusivity, a tissue temperature, or a regional temperature.

[0317] In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes a
spectral parameter associated with a biofilm-specific tag. In an
embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes an optical density.
In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes an opacity. In
an embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes a refractivity.
In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes an absorbance,
reflectance, or a transmittance.

[0318] In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes at least
one of an inflammation indication parameter (e.g., an absence, a
presence, or a severity indication parameter), an infection indication
parameter, a diseased state indication parameter, or a diseased tissue
indication parameter. In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic
includes at least one of an electromagnetic energy absorption parameter,
an electromagnetic energy emission parameter, an electromagnetic energy
scattering parameter, an electromagnetic energy reflectance parameter, or
an electromagnetic energy depolarization parameter. In an embodiment, the
at least one characteristic includes at least one an absorption
coefficient, an extinction coefficient, a scattering coefficient, or a
fluorescence coefficient. In an embodiment, the at least one
characteristic includes at least at least one of parameter associated
with a biomarker, an infection marker, an inflammation marker, an
infective stress marker, or a sepsis marker.

[0319] In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes at least
one of a psychotic disorder indication parameter, a psychotic state
indication parameter, a psychotic trait indication parameter, a psychosis
indication parameter, or a predisposition for a psychosis indication
parameter. In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic includes at
least one of a psychotic disorder indication, psychotic state indication,
a psychotic trait indication, a psychosis indication, or a predisposition
for a psychosis indication.

[0320] In an embodiment, one or more of the sensors 504 are configured to
detect a microbial presence proximate the body structure 104 of the
catheter device 102. For example, in an embodiment, one or more of the
sensors 504 are configured to detect absorbance, reflectance, or a
transmittance spectra of one or more components indicative of a microbial
presence in one or more regions proximate at least one of the outer
surface 106, the inner surface 108, or within at least one of the one or
more fluid-flow passageways 110 of the body structure 104.

[0321] In an embodiment, one or more of the sensors 504 are configured to
detect spectral information associated with a biological sample in the
vicinity of the catheter device 102. For example, in an embodiment, one
or more of the sensors 504 are configured to detect at least one of an
absorption coefficient, an extinction coefficient, or a scattering
coefficient associated with the biological sample.

[0322] In an embodiment, one or more of the sensors 504 are configured to
detect spectral information associated with a microbial presence. For
example, in an embodiment, at least one of the one or more sensors 504 is
configured to detect at least one of an emitted optical energy, a
remitted optical energy, or an acoustic energy from a one or more regions
proximate at least one of the outer surface 106, the inner surface 108,
and within at least one of the one or more fluid-flow passageways 110 of
the body structure 104, and to generate a first response based on a
detected at least one of an emitted optical energy, a remitted optical
energy, or an acoustic energy. In an embodiment, at least one of the one
or more sensors 504 is configured to detect a fluorescence associated
with an autofluorescent material of biological sample proximate the body
structure 104.

[0323] In an embodiment, one or more of the sensors 504 are configured to
detect a change in at least one of a phase, a polarization, or a
refraction associated with a microbial presence. In an embodiment, one or
more of the sensors 504 are configured to detect a microbial presence
within the one or more fluid-flow passageways 110 based on one or more
flow characteristics. In an embodiment, one or more of the sensors 504
are configured to detect a location associated with a microbial presence.
In an embodiment, one or more of the sensors 504 are configured to detect
spectral information associated with at least one of temporal metabolite
information or spatial metabolite information associated with a microbial
presence.

[0324] In an embodiment, the system 100 includes one or more computing
devices 230 operably coupled to one or more sensors 504. In an
embodiment, at least one computing device 230 is configured to process an
output associated with one or more sensors 504. In an embodiment, the
system 100 includes one or more computing devices 230 configured to
concurrently or sequentially operate multiple sensors 504. In an
embodiment, the system 100 is configured to compare an input associated
with at least one characteristic associated with a tissue proximate a
catheter device 102 to a data structure 260 including reference values,
and to generate a response based in part on the comparison. In an
embodiment, the system 100 is configured to compare an input associated
with at least one physiological characteristic associated with a
biological subject to a data structure 260 including reference values,
and to generate a response based in part on the comparison. In an
embodiment, the system 100 is configured to compare an input associated
with at least one characteristic associated with a tissue proximate a
catheter device 102 to a data structure 260 including reference values,
and to generate a response based in part on the comparison.

[0325] In an embodiment, at least one computing device 230 is configured
to perform a comparison of at least one detected characteristic to stored
reference data, and to generate a response based at least in part on the
comparison. For example, in an embodiment, at least one computing device
230 is configured to perform a comparison of at least one characteristic
associated with the biological sample to stored reference data, and to
initiate a treatment protocol based at least in part on the comparison.
In an embodiment, at least one computing device 230 is configured to
perform a comparison of a detected at least one of the emitted optical
energy or the remitted optical energy from the region proximate the body
structure 104 to reference spectral information, and to cause an emission
of an energy stimulus from one or more energy emitters 220 to at least
one of the outer surface 106 or the inner surface 108 of the body
structure 104. In an embodiment, one or more computing devices 230 are
communicatively coupled to one or more sensors 504 and configured to
actuate a determination of the at least one characteristic associated
with a biological specimen proximate a surface of the catheter device
102.

[0326] In an embodiment, a computing device 230 is configured to compare a
measurand associated with the biological subject to a threshold value
associated with a tissue spectral model and to generate a response based
on the comparison. In an embodiment, a computing device 230 is configured
to generate the response based on the comparison of a measurand that
modulates with a detected heart beat of the biological subject to a
target value associated with a tissue spectral model. In an embodiment, a
computing device 230 is configured to concurrently or sequentially
operate multiple energy emitters 220. In an embodiment, a computing
device 230 is configured to compare an input associated with at least one
characteristic associated with, for example, a tissue proximate a
catheter device 102 to a database 258 of stored reference values, and to
generate a response based in part on the comparison.

[0327] In an embodiment, the response includes, among other things, at
least one of a response signal, an absorption parameter, an extinction
parameter, a scattering parameter, a comparison code, a comparison plot,
a diagnostic code, a treatment code, an alarm response, or a test code
based on the comparison of a detected optical energy absorption profile
to characteristic spectral signature information. In an embodiment, the
response includes at least one of a display, a visual representation
(e.g., a visual depiction representative of the detected (e.g., assessed,
calculated, evaluated, determined, gauged, measured, monitored,
quantified, resolved, sensed, or the like) information) component, a
visual display of at least one spectral parameter, or the like. In an
embodiment, the response includes a visual representation indicative of a
parameter associated with an infection present in a region of a tissue
proximate one or more sensors 504. In an embodiment, the response
includes generating a representation (e.g., depiction, rendering,
modeling, or the like) of at least one physical parameter associated with
a biological specimen.

[0328] In an embodiment, the response includes generating at least one of
a visual, an audio, a haptic, or a tactile representation of at least one
of spectral component associated with a biofilm marker. In an embodiment,
the response includes at least one of activating an authorization
protocol, activating an authentication protocol, activating a software
update protocol, activating a data transfer protocol, or activating a
biofilm sterilization diagnostic protocol.

[0329] In an embodiment, the response includes one or more of a response
signal, a control signal, a change to an energy stimulus parameter, a
change in an excitation intensity, a change in an excitation frequency, a
change in an excitation pulse frequency, a change in an excitation pulse
ratio, a change in an excitation pulse intensity, a change in an
excitation pulse duration time, a change in an excitation pulse
repetition rate, or a change in an energy stimulus delivery regimen
parameter. In an embodiment, the response includes one or more of sending
information associated with at least one of an authentication protocol,
an authorization protocol, an energy stimulus delivery protocol, an
activation protocol, an encryption protocol, or a decryption protocol.

[0330] In an embodiment, at least one computing device 230 is configured
to perform a comparison of the at least one characteristic associated
with the biological sample to stored reference data, and to cause at
least one of an emission of an energy stimulus from one or more of the
energy emitters 220 to a biological sample received within at least one
of the one or more fluid-flow passageways 110, and a delivery of an
active agent from at least one disinfecting agent reservoir to an
interior of at least one of the one or more fluid-flow passageways 110.

[0331] In an embodiment, the computing device 230 is configured to perform
a comparison of a real-time measurand associated with a region proximate
the catheter device 102 to infection marker information configured as a
physical data structure 260 and to generate a response based at least in
part on the comparison. In an embodiment, one or more computing devices
230 are operably coupled to at least one of the plurality of selectively
actuatable energy waveguides 202a, and configured to actuate at least one
of the plurality of selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a in
response to detected information from the one or more sensors 504.

[0332] In an embodiment, the system 100 includes, among other things,
means for detecting at least one characteristic associated with a
biological subject including at least one sensor component 502 having one
or more sensors 504 and at least one computing device 230 operably
coupled to the at least one sensor component 502. In an embodiment, the
system 100 includes, among other things, means for detecting at least one
of an emitted energy or a remitted energy including an interrogation
energy emitter and one or more sensor components 502 having one or more
sensors 504. In an embodiment, the means for detecting at least one of an
emitted energy or a remitted energy includes at least one of a
time-integrating optical component 506, a linear time-integrating
component 508, a nonlinear optical component 510, or a temporal
autocorrelating component 512. In an embodiment, means for detecting at
least one of an emitted energy or a remitted energy includes one or more
one-, two-, or three-dimensional photodiode arrays.

[0333] In an embodiment, the system 100 includes, among other things,
circuitry 550 configured to determine a microorganism colonization event
in one or more regions in the vicinity of the catheter device 102, for
example, proximate at least one of the outer surface or the inner surface
of the body structure 104. In an embodiment, circuitry includes one or
more components operably coupled (e.g., communicatively coupled,
electromagnetically, magnetically, acoustically, optically, inductively,
electrically, capacitively coupleable, or the like) to each other. In an
embodiment, circuitry includes one or more remotely located components.
In an embodiment, remotely located components are operably coupled via
wireless communication. In an embodiment, remotely located components are
operably coupled via one or more receivers, transmitters, transceivers,
or the like.

[0334] In an embodiment, the circuitry 550 configured to determine the
microorganism colonization event includes at least one sensor component
502 having one or more sensors 504. In an embodiment, the circuitry 550
configured to determine the microorganism colonization event includes at
least one sensor component 502 having a component identification code and
configured to implement instructions addressed to the sensor component
502 according to the component identification code. In an embodiment, the
circuitry 550 configured to determine the microorganism colonization
event includes at least one sensor component 502 operably coupled to a
microorganism colonization biomarker array.

[0335] In an embodiment, the circuitry 550 configured to determine the
microorganism colonization event includes a computing device 230 operably
coupled to one or more sensors 304, and configured to process sensor
measurand information, and configured to cause the storing of the
measurand information in a data storage medium. In an embodiment, the
circuitry 550 configured to determine the microorganism colonization
event includes at least one surface plasmon resonance microarray sensor.
In an embodiment, the at least one surface plasmon resonance microarray
sensor includes an array of micro-regions configured to capture target
molecules.

[0336] In an embodiment, the circuitry 550 configured to determine the
microorganism colonization event includes at least one of a
charge-coupled device, a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor device,
a photodiode image sensor device, a Whispering Gallery Mode (WGM) micro
cavity device, or a scintillation detector device. In an embodiment, the
circuitry 550 configured to determine the microorganism colonization
event includes at least one photoelectric device. In an embodiment, the
circuitry 550 configured to determine the microorganism colonization
event includes an imaging spectrometer. In an embodiment, the circuitry
550 configured to determine the microorganism colonization event includes
at least one of a photo-acoustic imaging spectrometer, a thermo-acoustic
imaging spectrometer, or a photo-acoustic/thermo-acoustic tomographic
imaging spectrometer.

[0337] In an embodiment, the circuitry 550 configured to determine the
microorganism colonization event includes a wavelength-tunable surface
plasmon resonance sensor. In an embodiment, the circuitry 550 configured
to determine the microorganism colonization event includes a surface
plasmon resonance microarray sensor having a wavelength-tunable
metal-coated grating. In an embodiment, the circuitry 550 configured to
determine the microorganism colonization event includes one or more
acoustic transducers, electrochemical transducers, optical transducers,
piezoelectric transducers, or thermal transducers. In an embodiment, the
circuitry 550 configured to determine the microorganism colonization
event includes one or more thermal detectors, photovoltaic detectors, or
photomultiplier detectors. In an embodiment, the circuitry 550 configured
to determine the microorganism colonization event includes one or more
charge-coupled devices, complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor devices,
photodiode image sensor devices, whispering gallery mode micro cavity
devices, or scintillation detector devices. In an embodiment, the
circuitry 550 configured to determine the microorganism colonization
event includes one or more acoustic transducers. In an embodiment, the
circuitry 550 configured to determine the microorganism colonization
event includes one or more density sensors. In an embodiment, the
circuitry 550 configured to determine the microorganism colonization
event includes one or more optical density sensors. In an embodiment, the
circuitry 550 configured to determine the microorganism colonization
event includes one or more photoacoustic spectrometers.

[0338] In an embodiment, the circuitry 550 configured to determine the
microorganism colonization event includes one or more refractive index
sensors. In an embodiment, the circuitry 550 configured to determine the
microorganism colonization event includes one or more fiber optic
refractive index sensors. In an embodiment, the circuitry 550 configured
to determine the microorganism colonization event includes one or more
surface plasmon resonance sensors. In an embodiment, the circuitry 550
configured to determine the microorganism colonization event includes one
or more localized surface plasmon resonance sensors.

[0339] In an embodiment, the circuitry 550 configured to determine the
microorganism colonization event includes a light transmissive support
and a reflective metal layer. In an embodiment, the circuitry 550
configured to determine the microorganism colonization event includes one
or more acoustic biosensors, amperometric biosensors, calorimetric
biosensors, optical biosensors, or potentiometric biosensors. In an
embodiment, the circuitry 550 configured to determine the microorganism
colonization event includes one or more fluid flow sensors. In an
embodiment, the circuitry 550 configured to determine the microorganism
colonization event includes one or more differential electrodes.

[0340] In an embodiment, the circuitry 550 configured to determine the
microorganism colonization event includes one or more biomass sensors. In
an embodiment, the circuitry 550 configured to determine the
microorganism colonization event includes one or more immunosensors. In
an embodiment, the circuitry 550 configured to determine the
microorganism colonization event includes one or more functionalized
cantilevers. In an embodiment, the circuitry 550 configured to determine
the microorganism colonization event includes a biological molecule
capture layer. In an embodiment, the biological molecule capture layer
includes an array of different binding molecules that specifically bind
one or more target molecules.

[0341] In an embodiment, the circuitry 550 configured to determine the
microorganism colonization event includes biofilm marker information
configured as a physical data structure. In an embodiment, the physical
data structure includes a characteristic information section having
characteristic microbial colonization spectral information representative
of the presence of a microbial colonization proximate the catheter device
102.

[0342] In an embodiment, the system 100 includes, among other things,
circuitry 560 configured to obtain information. In an embodiment, the
circuitry 560 configured to obtain information includes circuitry 560
configured to obtain information associated with a delivery of the
optical energy. In an embodiment, the circuitry 560 configured to obtain
information includes circuitry configured to obtain at least one of a
command stream, a software stream, or a data stream.

[0343] In an embodiment, the system 100 includes, among other things,
circuitry 570 configured to store information. In an embodiment, the
circuitry 570 configured to store information includes one or more data
structures.

[0344] In an embodiment, the system 100 includes, among other things,
circuitry 580 configured to provide information. In an embodiment, the
circuitry 580 configured to provide information includes circuitry 580
configured to provide having infection marker information. In an
embodiment, the circuitry 580 configured to provide information includes
circuitry 580 configured to provide status information. In an embodiment,
the circuitry 580 configured to provide information includes circuitry
580 configured to provide information regarding the detection at least
one of the emitted optical energy or the remitted optical energy.

[0345] In an embodiment, the system 100 includes, among other things,
circuitry 590 configured to perform a comparison of the determined at
least one characteristic associated with the tissue or a biological fluid
proximate the catheter device 102 to stored reference data following the
delivery of the energy stimulus. In an embodiment, the catheter device
102 includes, among other things, circuitry configured to generate a
response based at least in part on the comparison. In an embodiment, the
circuitry 590 configured to perform a comparison includes, among other
things, one or computing devices 230 configured to perform a comparison
of the at least one characteristic associated with the tissue or a
biological fluid proximate the catheter device 102 stored reference data
following delivery of the sterilizing stimulus, and to generate a
response based at least in part on the comparison.

[0346] In an embodiment, the system 100 is configured to initiate one or
more treatment protocols. In an embodiment, the system 100 is configured
to initiate at least one treatment regimen based on a detected spectral
event. In an embodiment, the system 100 is configured to initiate at
least one treatment regimen based on a detected biomarker event. In an
embodiment, the system 100 is configured to initiate at least one
treatment regimen based on a detected infection. In an embodiment, the
system 100 is configured to initiate at least one treatment regimen based
on a detected fluid vessel abnormality (e.g., an obstruction), a detected
biological fluid abnormality (e.g., cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities,
hematological abnormalities, components concentration or level
abnormalities, flow abnormalities, or the like), a detected biological
parameter, or the like.

[0347] Many of the disclosed embodiments can be electrical,
electromechanical, software-implemented, firmware-implemented, or other
otherwise implemented, or combinations thereof. Many of the disclosed
embodiments can be software or otherwise in memory, such as one or more
executable instruction sequences or supplemental information as described
herein. For example, in an embodiment, in an embodiment, the catheter
device 102 includes, among other things, one or more computing devices
230 configured to perform a comparison of the at least one characteristic
associated with the biological subject to stored reference data, and to
generate a response based at least in part on the comparison. In an
embodiment, one or more computing devices 230 are configured to
automatically control one or more of a frequency, a duration, a pulse
rate, a duty cycle, or the like associated with an acoustic energy
generated by the one or more transducers 223a based on a sensed
parameter. In an embodiment, one or more computing devices 230 are
configured to automatically control one or more of a frequency, a
duration, a pulse rate, a duty cycle, or the like associated with the
acoustic energy generated by the one or more transducers 223a based on a
sensed parameter associated with a region within the biological subject.

[0348] Referring to FIG. 5, in an embodiment, the system 100 includes,
among other things, a plurality of actuatable regions 592 that are
independently actuatable between at least a first transmissive state and
a second transmissive state. For example, in an embodiment, a catheter
device 102 includes a plurality of actuatable regions 592 that are
independently actuatable between at least a first transmissive state and
a second transmissive state. In an embodiment, the plurality of
actuatable regions 592 are configured to actuate between the at least
first transmissive state and the second transmissive state in response to
an applied voltage, electric current, electric potential, electromagnetic
field, or the like. For example, in an embodiment, one or more of the
plurality of actuatable regions 592 include a region comprising a
ferromagnetic fluid whose transmittance changes as the rheology of the
ferromagnetic fluid changes in response to an applied potential. In an
embodiment, one or more of the plurality of actuatable regions 592
include a region comprising one or more light valves (e.g., suspended
particle devices, or the like) including a film or a liquid suspension of
conductive material and one or more conductive coatings that permit the
passage of light in the presence of an applied voltage, and blocks the
passage of light in the absences of an applied voltage.

[0349] In an embodiment, the plurality of actuatable regions 592 are
configured to actuate electrochemically between the at least first
transmissive state and the second transmissive state. For example, in an
embodiment, the plurality of actuatable regions 592 includes one or more
of tungsten oxide laminates having optical properties that are
electrochemically controllable. In an embodiment, the plurality of
actuatable regions 592 includes one or more of materials that change
color in response to an applied voltage change.

[0350] In an embodiment, the plurality of actuatable regions 592 is
energetically actuatable between the at least first transmissive state
and the second transmissive state. In an embodiment, the plurality of
actuatable regions 592 is UV-actuatable between the at least first
transmissive state and the second transmissive state. In an embodiment,
the plurality of actuatable regions 592 is photochemically actuatable
between the at least first transmissive state and the second transmissive
state. In an embodiment, the plurality of actuatable regions 592 is
electrically actuatable between the at least first transmissive state and
the second transmissive state. In an embodiment, the plurality of
actuatable regions 592 is acoustically actuatable between the at least
first transmissive state and the second transmissive state.

[0351] In an embodiment, the plurality of actuatable regions 592 is
configured to actuate electro-optically between the at least first
transmissive state and the second transmissive state.

[0352] In an embodiment, the plurality of actuatable regions 592 is
actively controllable, via one or more computing device 230, between the
at least first transmissive state and the second transmissive state. For
example, in an embodiment, one or more computing devices 230 are used to
actuate the plurality of actuatable regions 592 between an optically
transparent state and an optically reflective state. In an embodiment,
the plurality of actuatable regions 592 is controllably actuatable
between a transmissive state and a reflective state.

[0353] The system 100 can include, among other things, one or more
actively controllable reflective or transmissive components configured to
outwardly transmit or internally reflect an energy stimulus propagated
therethrough. In an embodiment, a catheter device 102 includes one or
more actively controllable reflective or transmissive components
configured to outwardly transmit or internally reflect an energy stimulus
propagated therethrough.

[0354] In an embodiment, one or more of plurality of actuatable regions
592 are independently actuatable between at least a first transmissive
state and a second transmissive state via at least one acoustically
active material. In an embodiment, one or more of plurality of actuatable
regions 592 are independently actuatable between at least a first
transmissive state and a second transmissive state via at least one
electro-mechanical switch. In an embodiment, one or more of plurality of
actuatable regions 592 are independently actuatable between at least a
first transmissive state and a second transmissive state via at least one
electro-optic switch. In an embodiment, one or more of plurality of
actuatable regions 592 are independently actuatable between at least a
first transmissive state and a second transmissive state via at least one
acousto-optic switch. In an embodiment, one or more of plurality of
actuatable regions 592 are independently actuatable between at least a
first transmissive state and a second transmissive state via at least one
optical switch.

[0355] In an embodiment, the system 100 includes, among other things, a
computing device 230 operably coupled to one or more of the plurality of
actuatable regions 592. In an embodiment, the controller is configured to
cause a change between transmissive states based on detected information
from the one or more sensors 504.

[0356] In an embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes one or more
computing devices 230 operably coupled to one or more of the plurality of
actuatable regions 592. In an embodiment, at least one of the one or more
computing devices 230 is configured to cause a change between the at
least first transmissive state and the second transmissive state based on
detected information from the one or more sensors 504. In an embodiment,
at least one of the one or more computing devices 230 is configured to
actuate one or more of the plurality of actuatable regions 592 between
the at least first transmissive state and the second transmissive state
based on a comparison of a detected characteristic associated with the
biological sample proximate at least one of the outer surface or the
inner surface of the body structure 104.

[0357] Referring to FIG. 6, in an embodiment, the system 100 includes,
among other things, one or more surface regions 602 that can be actuated
(e.g., controllably actuated, energetically actuated, selectively
actuated, or the like) between wettability states (e.g., between at least
a first wettability state and a second wettability state). In an
embodiment, a catheter device 102 includes one or more surface regions
602 that are can be actuated between at least a first wettability state
and a second wettability state. For example, in an embodiment, the
catheter device 102 includes, among other things, one or more
controllable-wettability-components 604 that are energetically actuatable
among a plurality of wettability states.

[0358] It may be possible to affect adhesion of, for example, bacteria and
biofilm formation by changing at least one of a functional, structural,
or chemical character of a surface on a catheter device 102. For example,
it may be possible to affect adhesion of, for example, bacteria and
biofilm formation by changing surface morphology. It may also be possible
to modulate the adhesion and biofilm formation by modulating at least one
of the functional, structural, or chemical characters of a surface on a
catheter device 102. By modulating at least one of a functional,
structural, or chemical character of a surface on a catheter device 102,
it may also be possible to affect the transport properties of a fluid
exposed to the surface on a catheter device 102.

[0359] In an embodiment, at least one of the one or more fluid-flow
passageways 110 includes one or more surface regions 602 that are
energetically actuatable between a substantially hydrophobic state and a
substantially hydrophilic state. In an embodiment, at least one of the
one or more fluid-flow passageways 110 includes a surface region 602 that
is energetically actuatable between at least a first hydrophilic state
and a second hydrophilic state. In an embodiment, at least one of the one
or more fluid-flow passageways 110 includes a surface region 602 that is
energetically actuatable between a hydrophobic state and a hydrophilic
state. In an embodiment, at least one of the one or more fluid-flow
passageways 110 includes a surface region 602 having a material that is
switchable between a zwitterionic state and a non-zwitterionic state.

[0360] In an embodiment, at least one of the one or more fluid-flow
passageways 110 includes at least one of an antimicrobial coating and a
non-fouling coating. In an embodiment, at least one of the one or more
fluid-flow passageways 110 includes an antimicrobial and a non-fouling
coating. In an embodiment, at least one of the one or more fluid-flow
passageways 110 includes a surface region 602 that is energetically
actuatable between an antimicrobial state and a non-fouling state.

[0361] In an embodiment, the body structure 104 includes one or more
protruding elements (e.g., nanostructures, microstructures, pillars,
ridges, or the like) on its surface that recede in the presence of an
applied current. The wettability of the surface can be controlled by
altering the density of the protruding elements. See e.g., Spori et al.,
Cassie-State Wetting Investigated by Means of a Hole-to-Pillar Density
Gradient, Langmuir, 2010, 26 (12), pp 9465-9473; which is incorporated
herein by reference.

[0362] In an embodiment, the one or more surface regions are configured to
photochemically actuate between the first wettability state and the
second wettability state in the presence of an ultraviolet energy. In an
embodiment, the one or more surface regions 602 are configured to actuate
between the first wettability state and the second wettability state in
the presence of an applied potential. In an embodiment, the one or more
surface regions 602 are UV-manipulatable between the first wettability
and the second wettability.

[0363] In an embodiment, the one or more surface regions 602 are
configured to photochemically actuate between a substantially hydrophobic
state and a substantially hydrophilic state. In an embodiment, the one or
more surface regions 602 are configured to electrically actuate between a
substantially hydrophobic state and a substantially hydrophilic state. In
an embodiment, the one or more surface regions 602 include at least one
ZnO nano-rod film, coating, or material that is UV-manipulatable between
a superhydrophobic state and superhydrophilic state.

[0364] In an embodiment, the one or more surface regions 602 are
energetically controllably actuatable between a substantially hydrophobic
state and a substantially hydrophilic state. In an embodiment, the one or
more surface regions 602 are energetically controllably actuatable
between at least a first hydrophilic state and a second hydrophilic
state. In an embodiment, the one or more surface regions 602 are
energetically controllably actuatable between a hydrophobic state and a
hydrophilic state. In an embodiment, the one or more surface regions 602
include a material that is switchable between a zwitterionic state and a
non-zwitterionic state.

[0367] The wettability of a substrate can be determined using various
technologies and methodologies including contact angle methods, the
Goniometer method, the Whilemy method, the Sessile drop technique, or the
like. Wetting is a process by which a liquid interacts with a solid.
Wettability (the degree of wetting) is determined by a force balance
between adhesive and cohesive force and is often characterized by a
contact angle. The contact angle is the angle made by the intersection of
the liquid/solid interface and the liquid/air interface. Alternatively,
it is the angle between a solid sample's surface and the tangent of a
droplet's ovate shape at the edge of the droplet. Contact angle
measurements provide a measure of interfacial energies and convey direct
information regarding the degree of hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity of a
surface. For example, superhydrophilic surfaces have contact angles less
than about 5°, hydrophilic surfaces have contact angles less than
about 90°, hydrophobic surfaces have contact angles greater than
about 90°, and superhydrophobic surfaces have contact angles
greater than about 150°.

[0368] In an embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes a body structure
104 including one or more controllable-wettability-components 604 having
switchable wetting properties. In an embodiment, the catheter device 102
includes a body structure 104 including one or more
controllable-wettability-components 604 that are energetically actuatable
between at least a first wettability and a second wettability. In an
embodiment, the one or more controllable-wettability-components 604 are
acoustically, chemically, electro-chemically, electrically, optically,
thermally, or photo-chemically actuatable between at least a first
wettability and a second wettability.

[0369] In an embodiment, the one or more
controllable-wettability-components 604 include at least one
acousto-responsive material.

[0370] In an embodiment, the one or more
controllable-wettability-components 604 include at least one
photo-responsive material. Non-limiting examples of photo-responsive
materials include SnO, SnO2, TiO2, W2O3, ZnO, or the
like. In an embodiment, the one or more
controllable-wettability-components 604 include at least one film,
coating, or material including SnO, SnO2, TiO2, W2O3,
ZnO, or the like. In an embodiment, the one or more
controllable-wettability-components 604 are UV-manipulatable between at
least a first wettability and a second wettability. In an embodiment, the
one or more controllable-wettability-components 604 include one or more
ZnO nano-rod films, coatings, or materials that are UV-manipulatable
between a superhydrophobic state and superhydrophilic state. In an
embodiment, the one or more controllable-wettability-components 604
include at least one electrochemically active material. Non-limiting
examples of electrochemically active materials include electrochemically
active polymers (e.g., polyaniline, polyethylenethioxythiophene,
conjugated polymer poly(3-hexylthiophene), or the like), or the like.

[0371] In an embodiment, the one or more
controllable-wettability-components 604 include one or more
superhydrophobic conducting polypyrrole films, coatings, or components
that are electrically switchable between an oxidized state and a neutral
state, resulting in reversibly switchable superhydrophobic and
superhydrophilic properties. (See, e.g., Lahann et al., A Reversibly
Switching Surface, 299 (5605): 371-374 (2003) 21:47-51 (2003), which is
incorporated herein by reference). In an embodiment, the one or more
controllable-wettability-components 604 include one or more electrically
isolatable fluid-support structures. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,535,692
(issued May 19, 2009), which is incorporated herein by reference).

[0372] In an embodiment, the one or more
controllable-wettability-components 604 include a plurality of
volume-tunable nanostructures. See, e.g., U.S. Patent Publication No.
2008/0095977 (published Apr. 24, 2008), which is incorporated herein by
reference). In an embodiment, the one or more
controllable-wettability-components 604 include one or more tunable
(electrically tunable) superhydrophobic conducting polypyrrole films,
coatings, or components. See, e.g., Krupenki et al, Electrically Tunable
Superhydrophobic Nanostructured Surfaces, Bell Labs Technical Journal 10
(3): 161-170 (2009), which is incorporated herein by reference). In an
embodiment, the one or more controllable-wettability-components 604
include one or more electrically tunable crystal/polymer composites. In
an embodiment, the one or more controllable-wettability-components 604
include a switchable surface. See e.g., Gras et al., Intelligent Control
of Surface Hydrophobicity, ChemPhysChem 8 (14): 2036-2050 (2007); each of
which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0373] Referring to FIG. 7, in an embodiment the system 100 includes,
among other things, one or more power sources 700. In an embodiment, the
catheter device 102 includes one or more power sources 700. In an
embodiment, the power source 700 is electromagnetically, magnetically,
acoustically, optically, inductively, electrically, or capacitively
coupled to at least one of the energy waveguides 202 (e.g., selectively
actuatable energy waveguides 202a), the energy emitters 220, the
computing device 230, and the sensor component 502. Non-limiting examples
of power sources 700 examples include one or more button cells, chemical
battery cells, a fuel cell, secondary cells, lithium ion cells,
micro-electric patches, nickel metal hydride cells, silver-zinc cells,
capacitors, super-capacitors, thin film secondary cells,
ultra-capacitors, zinc-air cells, or the like. Further non-limiting
examples of power sources 700 include one or more generators (e.g.,
electrical generators, thermo energy-to-electrical energy generators,
mechanical-energy-to-electrical energy generators, micro-generators,
nano-generators, or the like) such as, for example, thermoelectric
generators, piezoelectric generators, electromechanical generators,
biomechanical-energy harvesting generators, or the like. In an
embodiment, the power source 700 includes at least one rechargeable power
source. In an embodiment, the power source 700 is carried by the catheter
device 102. In an embodiment, the catheter device 102 can include, among
other things, at least one of a battery, a capacitor, or a mechanical
energy store (e.g., a spring, a flywheel, or the like).

[0374] In an embodiment, the power source 700 is configured to manage a
duty cycle associated with emitting an effective dose of the energy
stimulus from to at least one of the energy waveguides 202 (e.g.,
selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a), or the energy emitters
220. In an embodiment, the catheter device 102 is configured to provide a
voltage, via a power source 700 operably coupled to at least one of the
energy waveguides 202 or the energy emitters 220, across at least a
portion of the tissue proximate the catheter device 102.

[0375] In an embodiment, the power source 700 is configured to wirelessly
receive power from a remote power supply 730. In an embodiment, the
catheter device 102 includes one or more power receivers 732 configured
to receive power from an in vivo or ex vivo power source. In an
embodiment, the power source 700 is configured to wirelessly receive
power via at least one of an electrical conductor or an electromagnetic
waveguide. In an embodiment, the power source 700 includes one or more
power receivers 732 configured to receive power from an in vivo or ex
vivo power source. In an embodiment, the in vivo power source includes at
least one of a thermoelectric generator, a piezoelectric generator, a
microelectromechanical systems generator, or a biomechanical-energy
harvesting generator.

[0376] In an embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes one or more
generators configured to harvest mechanical energy from for example,
acoustic waves, mechanical vibration, blood flow, or the like. For
example, in an embodiment, the power source 700 includes at least one of
a biological-subject (e.g., human)-powered generator 704, a
thermoelectric generator 706, piezoelectric generator 708,
electromechanical generator 710 (e.g., a microelectromechanical systems
(MEMS) generator, or the like), biomechanical-energy harvesting generator
712, or the like.

[0377] In an embodiment, the biological-subject-powered generator 704 is
configured to harvest thermal energy generated by the biological subject.
In an embodiment, the biological-subject-powered generator 704 is
configured to harvest energy generated by the biological subject using at
least one of a thermoelectric generator 706, piezoelectric generator 708,
electromechanical generator 710 (e.g., a microelectromechanical systems
(MEMS) generator, or the like), biomechanical-energy harvesting generator
712, or the like. For example, in an embodiment, the
biological-subject-powered generator 704 includes one or more
thermoelectric generators 706 configured to convert heat dissipated by
the biological subject into electricity. In an embodiment, the
biological-subject-powered generator 704 is configured to harvest energy
generated by any physical motion or movement (e.g., walking,) by
biological subject. For example, in an embodiment, the
biological-subject-powered generator 704 is configured to harvest energy
generated by the movement of a joint within the biological subject. In an
embodiment, the biological-subject-powered generator 704 is configured to
harvest energy generated by the movement of a fluid (e.g., biological
fluid) within the biological subject.

[0378] In an embodiment, the system 100, includes, among other things, a
transcutaneous energy transfer system 714. In an embodiment, the catheter
device 102 includes a transcutaneous energy transfer system 714. For
example, in an embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes one or more
power receivers 732 configured to receive power from at least one of an
in vivo or an ex vivo power source. In an embodiment, the transcutaneous
energy transfer system 714 is electromagnetically, magnetically,
acoustically, optically, inductively, electrically, or capacitively
coupled to at least one of the energy waveguides 202 (e.g., selectively
actuatable energy waveguides 202a), the energy emitters 220, the
computing device 230, or the sensor component 502.

[0379] In an embodiment, the transcutaneous energy transfer system 714 is
configured to transfer power from at least one of an in vivo or an ex
vivo power source to the catheter device 102. In an embodiment, the
transcutaneous energy transfer system 714 is configured to transfer power
to the catheter device 102 and to recharge a power source 700 within the
catheter device 102.

[0380] In an embodiment, the transcutaneous energy transfer system 714 is
electromagnetically, magnetically, acoustically, optically, inductively,
electrically, or capacitively coupleable to an in vivo power supply. In
an embodiment, the transcutaneous energy transfer system 714 includes at
least one electromagnetically coupleable power supply 716, magnetically
coupleable power supply 718, acoustically coupleable power supply 720,
optically coupleable power supply 722, inductively coupleable power
supply 724, electrically coupleable power supply 726, or capacitively
coupleable power supply 728. In an embodiment, the energy transcutaneous
transfer system 714 is configured to wirelessly receive power from a
remote power supply 730.

[0381] The transcutaneous energy transfer system 714 can include, among
other things, an inductive power supply. In an embodiment, the inductive
power supply includes a primary winding operable to produce a varying
magnetic field. The catheter device 102 can include, among other things,
a secondary winding electrically coupled to one or more energy emitters
220 for providing a voltage to tissue proximate the catheter device 102
in response to the varying magnetic field of the inductive power supply.
In an embodiment, the transcutaneous energy transfer system 714 includes
a secondary coil configured to provide an output voltage ranging from
about 10 volts to about 25 volts. In an embodiment, the transcutaneous
energy transfer system 714 is configured to manage a duty cycle
associated with emitting an effective amount of the sterilizing energy
stimulus from one or more energy emitters 220. In an embodiment, the
transcutaneous energy transfer system 714 is configured to transfer power
to the catheter device 102 and to recharge a power source 700 within the
catheter device 102.

[0382] In an embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes one or more
coatings (e.g., optically active coatings, reflective coating, opaque
coatings, transmissive coatings, etc.). In an embodiment, at least a
portion of the body structure 104 includes a surface having a coating,
coatings configured to treat or reduce the concentration of an infectious
agent in the immediate vicinity of the implantable device 102

[0383] Non-limiting examples of coatings include anti-biofilm activity
coatings, coatings having self-cleaning properties, coatings having
self-cleaning, and anti-bacterial activity, or the like.

[0386] Further non-limiting examples of coating include reflective
coatings, beam-splitter coatings, broadband multilayer coatings,
composite coatings, dielectric coatings, dielectric reflective coatings
(e.g., dielectric high reflective coatings), grating waveguide coatings
(e.g., high reflectivity grating waveguide coatings), IR reflective
coatings, metallic reflective coatings (e.g., metallic high reflective
coatings), multilayer coatings, narrow or broad band coatings, optical
coatings, partial reflective coatings, polymeric coatings, single layer
coatings, UV reflective coatings, UV-IR reflective coatings, or the like,
and combinations thereof. For example, in an embodiment, the catheter
device 102 includes at least one of an outer internally reflective or an
inner internally reflective coating on the body structure 104. For
example, in an embodiment, at least a portion of an inner surface 108 or
an outer surface 106 of the catheter device 102 includes a coating
configured to internally reflect at least a portion of an emitted energy
stimulus within an interior of at least one of the one or more fluid-flow
passageways 110. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the body
structure 104 includes at least one of an outer internally reflective
coating or an inner internally reflective coating.

[0388] For example, in an embodiment, at least a portion of the catheter
device 102 includes one or more coatings including at least one
reflective material. In an embodiment, the reflective material includes
at least one of aluminum, barium sulfate, gold, silver, titanium dioxide,
or zinc oxide. In an embodiment, the reflective material includes an
ultraviolet energy reflective material. In an embodiment, the ultraviolet
energy reflective material comprises a metallic film. In an embodiment,
the ultraviolet energy reflective material comprises enhanced aluminum.
In an embodiment, the ultraviolet energy reflective material comprises
enhanced aluminum overcoated with at least one of magnesium fluoride,
silicon dioxide, or silicon monoxide. In an embodiment, the ultraviolet
energy reflective material comprises enhanced aluminum overcoated with
high phosphorous nickel. In an embodiment, the ultraviolet energy
reflective material comprises barium sulfate.

[0389] In an embodiment, at least a portion of the body structure 104
includes an optical material that permits the transmission of at least a
portion of an emitted energy stimulus from an interior of at least one of
the one or more fluid-flow passageways 110 to an exterior of at least one
of the one or more fluid-flow passageways 110. In an embodiment, at least
a portion of the body structure 104 includes an optical material that
internally reflects at least a portion of an emitted energy stimulus
present within an interior of at least one of the one or more fluid-flow
passageways 110. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the body
structure 104 includes an optical material that internally reflects at
least a portion of an emitted energy stimulus within an interior of at
least one of the one or more fluid-flow passageways 110, without
substantially permitting the transmission of the emitted energy stimulus
through an exterior of the body structure 104. In an embodiment, at least
a portion of the body structure 104 includes an optical material that
internally directs at least a portion of an emitted energy stimulus along
a substantially longitudinal direction of at least one of the one or more
fluid-flow passageways 110. In an embodiment, wherein at least a portion
of the body structure 104 includes an optical material that internally
directs at least a portion of an emitted energy stimulus along a
substantially lateral direction of at least one of the one or more
fluid-flow passageways 110.

[0390] In an embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes at least one
outer internally reflective coating on a body structure 104 defining the
one or more fluid-flow passageways 110. In an embodiment, the catheter
device 102 includes at least one inner internally reflective coating on a
body structure 104 defining the one or more fluid-flow passageways 110.

[0391] The system 100 can include, among other things, one or more
reflective surfaces (e.g., one or more surfaces reflective to an energy
stimulus, etc.). In an embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes one
or more reflective surfaces. For example, in an embodiment, at least a
portion of the catheter device 102 includes a reflective surface. In an
embodiment, the reflective surface forms at least a portion of the body
structure 104. In an embodiment, at least one of the one or more
fluid-flow passageways 110 includes a surface configured to laterally
internally reflect or longitudinally internally reflect electromagnetic
radiation transmitted therethrough. For example, in an embodiment, at
least a portion of a body structure defining the one or more fluid-flow
passageways 110 includes a reflective surface capable of reflecting at
least about 50 percent of an energy stimulus emitted by one or more of
the energy emitters 220 that impinges on the reflective surface. In an
embodiment, at least a portion of a body structure defining the one or
more fluid-flow passageways 110 includes a reflective surface that is
reflective at a first wavelength and transmissive at a second wavelength
different from the first wavelength. In an embodiment, at least one of
the one or more fluid-flow passageways 110 includes one or more
internally reflective components configured to manage a delivery of light
to a biological sample received within the one or more fluid-flow
passageways 110, and to manage a collection of reflected light from the
biological sample.

[0392] In an embodiment, the reflective surface is reflective at a first
polarization and transmissive at a second polarization. In an embodiment,
the reflective surface is reflective at a first power level and
transmissive at a second power level. For example, in an embodiment, the
reflective surface is opaque at a first power level and transmissive at a
second power level. In an embodiment, the reflective surface is
reflective to a first wavelength at a first power level and reflective to
a second wavelength at a second power level. In an embodiment, at least a
portion of the body structure 104 includes a surface that is reflective
to at least one of electromagnetic energy, acoustic energy, or thermal
energy.

[0393] In an embodiment, at least a portion of the body structure 104
includes an inner surface that is internally reflective to
electromagnetic radiation. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the
body structure 104 includes a surface that is internally reflective to
ultraviolet radiation. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the body
structure 104 includes a surface that is internally reflective to
infrared radiation. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the body
structure 104 includes a surface configured to laterally internally
reflect or longitudinally internally reflect electromagnetic radiation
transmitted within the one or more fluid-flow passageways 110. In an
embodiment, at least a portion of the body structure 104 includes a
reflective surface capable of reflecting at least about 50 percent of an
energy stimulus emitted by one or more of the energy emitters 220 that
impinges on the reflective surface.

[0394] In an embodiment, the system 100 includes, among other things,
means for reflecting at least a portion of an emitted energy stimulus
within an interior of at least one of the one or more fluid-flow
passageways 110. In an embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes means
for reflecting at least a portion of an emitted energy stimulus within an
interior of at least one of the one or more fluid-flow passageways 110.
In an embodiment, the means for reflecting at least a portion of an
emitted energy stimulus includes at least one waveguide 202, one or more
energy emitters 220, and one or more computing devices 230. In an
embodiment, the means for reflecting at least a portion of an emitted
energy stimulus includes one or more energy emitters 220 and one or more
coatings including optically active materials. In an embodiment, the
catheter device 102 includes means for laterally reflecting or
longitudinally reflecting electromagnetic radiation transmitted within an
interior of at least one of the one or more fluid-flow passageways 110.
In an embodiment, means for laterally reflecting or longitudinally
reflecting electromagnetic radiation includes at least one waveguide 202,
one or more energy emitters 220, or one or more computing devices 230.

[0395] In an embodiment, at least a portion of a body structure 104
includes one or more actively controllable reflective or transmissive
components configured to outwardly transmit or internally reflect an
energy stimulus propagated through at least one of the one or more
fluid-flow passageways 110. In an embodiment, a computing device 230 is
operably coupled to at least one of the one or more actively controllable
reflective and transmissive components. In an embodiment, a computing
device 230 is configured to cause an outward-transmission or
internal-reflection of an energy stimulus propagated through at least one
of the one or more fluid-flow passageways 110 based on, for example,
detected information from a sensor component 502.

[0396] In an embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes one or more
internally reflective components. In an embodiment, the one or more
internally reflective components form at least a portion of the body
structure 104. In an embodiment, the one or more internally reflective
components are configured to manage a delivery of interrogation energy to
a sample proximate a surface of the catheter device 102, and configured
to manage a collection of emitted interrogation energy or remitted
interrogation energy from the sample. In an embodiment, the one or more
internally reflective components are configured to manage a delivery of
interrogation energy to a sample within at least one of the one or more
fluid-flow passageways 110, and to manage a collection of emitted
interrogation energy or remitted interrogation energy from the sample. In
an embodiment, the at least a portion of the body structure 104 includes
a reflective surface capable of reflecting at least about 50 percent of
an energy stimulus that impinges on the reflective surface.

[0397] In an embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes one or more
optical materials forming part of at least a portion of the body
structure 104. For example in an embodiment, the catheter device 102
includes one or more optical materials that are configured to reflect at
least a portion of an energy stimulus propagating within the body
structure 104. In an embodiment, the one or more optical materials permit
the transmission of at least a portion of an emitted energy stimulus from
an interior of at least one of the one or more fluid-flow passageways 110
to an exterior of at least one of the one or more fluid-flow passageways
110. In an embodiment, the one or more optical materials are configured
to internally reflect at least a portion of an emitted energy stimulus
present within an interior of at least one of the one or more fluid-flow
passageways 110.

[0398] In an embodiment, at least a portion of a body structure 104
includes an optical material that internally reflects at least a portion
of an emitted energy stimulus within an interior of at least one of the
one or more fluid-flow passageways 110, without substantially permitting
the transmission of the emitted energy stimulus through an exterior of
the body structure. For example, in an embodiment, at least a portion of
a body structure 104 includes an optical material that actuates between
one or more transmissive states and one or more opaque state in the
presences of an applied current or voltage.

[0399] In an embodiment, the one or more optical materials are configured
to limit an amount of the energy stimulus that can traverse within the
one or more fluid-flow passageways 110 and through the outer surface 106
of the body structure 104. In an embodiment, the one or more optical
materials are configured to internally reflect at least a portion of an
emitted energy stimulus from one or more of the energy emitters 220 into
an interior of at least one of the one or more fluid-flow passageways
110.

[0400] In an embodiment, at least a portion of the one or more fluid-flow
passageways 110 includes an optical material that directs at least a
portion of an emitted energy stimulus along a substantially longitudinal
direction of at least one of the one or more fluid-flow passageways 110.
In an embodiment, at least a portion of the one or more fluid-flow
passageways 110 includes an optical material that directs at least a
portion of an emitted energy stimulus along a substantially lateral
direction of at least one of the one or more fluid-flow passageways 110.

[0401] Referring to FIG. 8, in an embodiment the system 100 includes,
among other things, a plurality of independently activatable ultraviolet
energy delivering substrates 802. In an embodiment, the catheter device
102 includes a plurality of independently activatable ultraviolet energy
delivering substrates 802 configured to deliver a sterilizing energy
stimulus to one or more regions proximate the catheter device 102. For
example, in an embodiment, the plurality of independently activatable
ultraviolet energy delivering substrates 802 define at least a portion of
one or more surfaces of the body structure 104 and configured to deliver
a sterilizing energy stimulus to one or more regions proximate the body
structure 104.

[0402] In an embodiment, the plurality of independently activatable
ultraviolet energy delivering substrates 802 include a radiation emitting
coating. In an embodiment, the plurality of independently activatable
ultraviolet energy delivering substrates 802 include one or more
ultraviolet energy nanoparticles. In an embodiment, the plurality of
independently activatable ultraviolet energy delivering substrates 802
include a light-emitting material. Non-limiting examples of
light-emitting materials include electroluminescent materials,
UV-electroluminescent materials, Near UV-electroluminescent,
photoluminescent materials, or the like. Further non-limiting examples of
light-emitting materials include titanium oxide phthalocyanine, p-doped
zinc oxide, poly(p-phenylene vinylene)) conjugated polymers, or the like.
In an embodiment, the plurality of independently activatable ultraviolet
energy delivering substrates 802 include a light-emitting material
configured to emit ultraviolet light energy in the presence of an energy
stimulus.

[0403] In an embodiment, the plurality of independently activatable
ultraviolet energy delivering substrates 802 include a light-emitting
material configured to emit at least one of ultraviolet light B and
ultraviolet light C energy in the presence of an energy stimulus. In an
embodiment, the plurality of independently activatable ultraviolet energy
delivering substrates 802 include a light-emitting material having one or
more photo-absorption bands in the visible region of the electromagnetic
spectrum. In an embodiment, the plurality of independently activatable
ultraviolet energy delivering substrates 802 include a light-emitting
material configured to emit germicidal light. In an embodiment, the
plurality of independently activatable ultraviolet energy delivering
substrates 802 include a light-emitting material configured to emit
ultraviolet light energy in the presence of an electrical potential. In
an embodiment, the plurality of independently activatable ultraviolet
energy delivering substrates 802 includes one or more ultraviolet energy
emitting phosphors. In an embodiment, the plurality of independently
activatable ultraviolet energy delivering substrates 802 includes a
trivalent phosphate configured to emit ultraviolet light C energy in the
presence of an energy stimulus.

[0404] In an embodiment, the system 100 includes, among other things, a
computing device 230 operably coupled to the plurality of independently
activatable ultraviolet energy delivering substrates 802. In an
embodiment, the computing device 230 is configured to activate one or
more of the plurality of independently activatable ultraviolet energy
delivering substrates 802 in response to detected microbial presence
information from the sensor component 502.

[0405] In an embodiment, the system 100 includes, among other things, one
or more self-cleaning surface regions 804. In an embodiment, the catheter
device 102 includes one or more self-cleaning surface regions. For
example, in an embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes one or more
self-cleaning surface regions 804 including a self-cleaning coating
composition.

[0406] In an embodiment, the one or more self-cleaning surface regions 804
include an energy-activatable self-cleaning material. In an embodiment,
the one or more self-cleaning surface regions 804 include a chemically
activatable self-cleaning material. In an embodiment, the one or more
self-cleaning surface regions 804 include one or more of titanium
dioxide, superhydrophobic materials, or carbon nanotubes with nanoscopic
paraffin coatings. In an embodiment, the one or more self-cleaning
surface regions 804 include one or more antimicrobial agents.

[0408] In an embodiment, the one or more self-cleaning surface regions 804
are configured to generate reactive-oxygen-species or a
reactive-nitrogen-species when exposed to an energy stimulus. In an
embodiment, the one or more self-cleaning surface regions 804 are
configured to generate reactive-oxygen-species or a
reactive-nitrogen-species in the presence of an applied voltage.

[0409] In an embodiment, the one or more self-cleaning surface regions 804
include a self-cleaning agent configured to hydrolyze when exposed to an
energy stimulus. In an embodiment, the one or more self-cleaning surface
regions 804 include a self-cleaning coating configured to degrade when
exposed to an energy stimulus. In an embodiment, the one or more
self-cleaning surface regions 804 include a blood-soluble material
configured to degrade when exposed to blood in vivo. In an embodiment,
the one or more self-cleaning surface regions 804 include one or more
reflective materials or one or more self-cleaning materials. In an
embodiment, the one or more self-cleaning surface regions 804 include one
or more reflective coatings or one or more self-cleaning coatings. In an
embodiment, the one or more self-cleaning surface regions 804 include at
least one of an antimicrobial coating or a non-fouling coating. In an
embodiment, the one or more self-cleaning surface regions 804 include an
antimicrobial or a non-fouling coating. In an embodiment, the one or more
self-cleaning surface regions 804 include a surface region that is
energetically actuatable between an antimicrobial state and a non-fouling
state.

[0410] In an embodiment, the system 100 includes, among other things, one
or more selectively removable protective coatings 806. In an embodiment,
the catheter device 102 includes one or more selectively removable
protective coatings 806. For example, in an embodiment, the body
structure includes a plurality of regions having one or more in vivo
selectively removable protective coatings 806 defining at least a portion
of one or more surfaces of the body structure 104. In an embodiment, the
plurality of regions having the one or more in vivo selectively removable
protective coatings 806 define a spaced-apart pattern of at least one
repeating region comprising at least a first selectively removable
protective coating material.

[0411] In an embodiment, the one or more in vivo selectively removable
protective coatings 806 include a cell-rejecting compound. In an
embodiment, the one or more in vivo selectively removable protective
coatings 806 includes at least one of copper or silver. In an embodiment,
the one or more in vivo selectively removable protective coatings 806
include a cell-rejecting polymer. In an embodiment, the one or more in
vivo selectively removable protective coatings 806 includes at least one
of poly(ethylene oxide), poly(ethylene glycol), or
poly(styrene-isobutylene styrene). In an embodiment, the one or more in
vivo selectively removable protective coatings 806 includes a
photo-degradable material. In an embodiment, the one or more in vivo
selectively removable protective coatings 806 includes a bioerodible
material. In an embodiment, the one or more in vivo selectively removable
protective coatings 806 includes body fluid soluble material. In an
embodiment, the one or more in vivo selectively removable protective
coatings 806 includes blood erodible material.

[0412] In an embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes circuitry 550
configured to determine the microorganism colonization event in one or
more of the plurality of regions having the one or more in vivo
selectively removable protective coatings 806. In an embodiment, the
circuitry 550 configured to determine the microorganism colonization
event includes biofilm marker information configured as a physical data
structure. In an embodiment, the circuitry 550 configured to determine
the microorganism colonization event includes one or more computing
devices 230 operably coupled to one or more sensors 504 and configured to
cause a removal of at least one of the one or more in vivo selectively
removable protective coatings 806 one or more in vivo selectively
removable protective coatings 806 based on detected information from the
one or more sensors. In an embodiment, the body structure 104 is
configured to transmit at least a portion of an emitted energy stimulus
propagated within the body structure though one or more of the plurality
of regions having had an in vivo selectively removable protective coating
removed.

[0413] Referring to FIG. 9, the system 100 includes, among other things,
one or more active agent assemblies 900. In an embodiment, the catheter
device 102 includes at least one active agent assembly 900 including one
or more reservoirs 902 (e.g., active agent reservoirs energy, sample
reservoirs, biological sample reservoirs, tracer agent reservoirs, or the
like, or combinations thereof).

[0414] In an embodiment, the active agent assembly 900 is configured to
deliver one or more active agents from the at least one reservoir 902 to
one or more regions proximate the body structure 104. For example, in an
embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes one or more active agent
assemblies 900 configured to deliver at least one active agent from the
at least one reservoir 902 to at least one of a region 906 proximate an
outer surface 106 and a region 908 proximate an inner surface 108 of the
catheter device 102.

[0418] In an embodiment, the active agent includes at least one active
agent that selectively targets bacteria. For example, in an embodiment,
the active agent includes at least one bacteriophage that can, for
example, selectively target bacteria. Bacteriophages generally comprise
an outer protein hull enclosing genetic material. The genetic material
can be, for example, ssRNA, dsRNA, ssDNA, or dsDNA. Bacteriophages are
generally smaller than the bacteria they destroy generally ranging from
about 20 nm to about 200 nm. Non-limiting examples of bacteriophages
include T2, T4, T6, phiX-174, MS2, or the like). In an embodiment, the
active agent includes at least one energy-activatable agent that
selectively targets bacteria. For example, in an embodiment, the active
agent includes at least one triplet excited-state photosensitizer that
can, for example, selectively target bacteria.

[0419] Further non-limiting examples of active agents include triplet
excited-state photosensitizers, reactive oxygen species, reactive
nitrogen species, any other inorganic or organic ion or molecules that
include oxygen ions, free radicals, peroxides, or the like. Further
non-limiting examples of active agents include compounds, molecules, or
treatments that elicit a biological response from any biological subject.
Further non-limiting examples of disinfecting agents include therapeutic
agents (e.g., antimicrobial therapeutic agents), pharmaceuticals (e.g., a
drug, a therapeutic compound, pharmaceutical salts, or the like)
non-pharmaceuticals (e.g., a cosmetic substance, or the like),
neutraceuticals, antioxidants, phytochemicals, homeopathic agents, or the
like. Further non-limiting examples of disinfecting agents include
peroxidases (e.g., haloperoxidases such as chloroperoxidase, or the
like), oxidoreductase (e.g., myeloperoxidase, eosinophil peroxidase,
lactoperoxidase, or the like) oxidases, or the like.

[0421] Further non-limiting examples of active agents include one or more
pore-forming antimicrobial peptides. Antimicrobial peptides represent an
abundant and diverse group of molecules that are naturally produced by
many tissues and cell types in a variety of invertebrate, plant and
animal species. The amino acid composition, amphipathicity, cationic
charge and size of antimicrobial peptides allow them to attach to and
insert into microbial membrane bilayers to form pores leading to cellular
disruption and death. More than 800 different antimicrobial peptides have
been identified or predicted from nucleic acid sequences, a subset of
which are available in a public database (see, e.g., Wang & Wang, Nucleic
Acids Res. 32:D590-D592, 2004); http://aps.unmc.edu/AP/main.php, which is
incorporated herein by reference).

[0426] In an embodiment, the active agent includes one or more
antimicrobial agents. In an embodiment, the antimicrobial agent is an
antimicrobial peptide. Amino acid sequence information for a subset of
these can be found as part of a public database (see, e.g., Wang & Wang,
Nucleic Acids Res. 32:D590-D592, 2004); http://aps.unmc.edu/AP/main.php,
which is incorporated herein by reference). Alternatively, a phage
library of random peptides can be used to screen for peptides with
antimicrobial properties against live bacteria, fungi and/or parasites.
The DNA sequence corresponding to an antimicrobial peptide can be
generated ex vivo using standard recombinant DNA and protein purification
techniques.

[0427] In an embodiment, one or more of the active agent include chemicals
suitable to disrupt or destroy cell membranes. For example, some
oxidizing chemicals can withdraw electrons from a cell membrane causing
it to, for example, become destabilized. Destroying the integrity of cell
membranes of, for example, a pathogen can lead to cell death.

[0428] In an embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes one or more
active agent assemblies 900 configured to deliver at least one active
agent from the at least one reservoir 902 to at least one of a region
proximate an outer and an inner surface of the catheter device 102. In an
embodiment, at least one of the one or more active agent assemblies 900
is configured to deliver one or more active agents in a spatially
patterned distribution. In an embodiment, at least one of the one or more
active agent assemblies 900 is configured to deliver one or more active
agents in a temporally patterned distribution. In an embodiment, the
catheter device 102 includes a plurality of spaced-apart-release-ports
910 adapted to deliver one or more active agents in a spatially patterned
distribution. In an embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes a
plurality of spaced apart controllable-release ports 910 adapted to
deliver one or more active agents in a spatially patterned distribution.

[0429] In an embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes at least one
computing device 230 operably coupled to one or more of the plurality of
spaced-apart-release-ports 910 and configured to actuate one or more of
the plurality of spaced-apart-release-ports between an active agent
discharge state and an active agent retention state. In an embodiment, a
computing device 230 is operable to actuate one or more of the plurality
of spaced-apart-release-ports 910 between an active agent discharge state
and an active agent retention state based on a comparison of a detected
characteristic to stored reference data.

[0430] In an embodiment, the computing device 230 is operably coupled to
the active agent assembly and configured to actively control one or more
of the plurality of spaced-apart-release-ports 910. In an embodiment, at
least one computing device 230 is operably coupled to one or more of the
spaced-apart controllable-release ports 910 and configured to control at
least one of a port release rate, a port release amount, and a port
release pattern associated with a delivery of the one or more active
agents. In an embodiment, at least one processor 232 is operably coupled
to the active agent assembly 900 and configured to control at least one
of a port release rate, a port release amount, or a port release pattern
associated with the delivery of the one or more active agents from the at
least one reservoir 902 to an interior of at least one of the one or more
fluid-flow passageways 110.

[0431] In an embodiment, a computing device 230 is operably coupled to the
active agent assembly 900 and configured to control at least one of an
active agent delivery rate, an active agent delivery amount, an active
agent delivery composition, a port release rate, a port release amount,
or a port release pattern.

[0432] In an embodiment, at least one computing device 230 is operably
coupled to one or more of the plurality of spaced-apart-release-ports 910
and configured to actuate one or more of the plurality of
spaced-apart-release-ports 910 between an active agent discharge state
and an active agent retention state. In an embodiment, the catheter
device 102 includes one or more active agent assemblies 900 including one
or more reservoirs 902 configured to deliver at least one active agent
from the at least one reservoir 902 to at least one of a region 904
proximate an outer surface 108 or a region 906 proximate an inner surface
110 of the catheter device 102.

[0433] In an embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes one or more
active agent assemblies 900 configured to deliver one or more
disinfecting agents. In an embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes
one or more active agent assemblies 900 configured to deliver at least
one energy-activatable agent from at least one reservoir 902 to, for
example, an interior of one or more fluid-flow passageways 110.
Non-limiting examples of energy-activatable active agents include
radiation absorbers, light energy absorbers, X-ray absorbers, photoactive
agents, or the like. Non-limiting examples of photoactive agents include,
but are not limited to photoactive antimicrobial agents (e.g.,
eudistomin, photoactive porphyrins, photoactive TiO2, antibiotics,
silver ions, antibodies, nitric oxide, or the like), photoactive
antibacterial agents, photoactive antifungal agents, or the like. Further
non-limiting examples of energy-activatable agent includes
energy-activatable disinfecting agents, photoactive agents, or a
metabolic precursor thereof. In an embodiment, the at least one
energy-activatable agent includes at least one X-ray absorber. In an
embodiment, the at least one energy-activatable agent includes at least
one radiation absorber.

[0434] In an embodiment, the active agent assembly 900 is configured to
deliver at least one energy-activatable disinfecting agent from at least
one reservoir 902 to a biological sample proximate the catheter device
102. In an embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes one or more
active agent assemblies 900 configured to deliver at least one
energy-activatable disinfecting agent from the at least one reservoir 902
to tissue proximate at least one surface of the catheter device 102. In
an embodiment, at least one of the one or more active agent assemblies
900 is configured to deliver at least one energy-activatable disinfecting
agent in a spatially patterned distribution. In an embodiment, the active
agent assembly 900 is configured to deliver at least one
energy-activatable steroid to tissue proximate the at least one outer
surface 108 of the catheter device 102.

[0435] In an embodiment, the at least one reservoir 902 includes, among
other things, an acceptable carrier. In an embodiment, at least one
active agent is carried by, encapsulated in, or forms part of, an
energy-sensitive (e.g., energy-activatable), carrier, vehicle, vesicle,
pharmaceutical vehicle, pharmaceutical carrier, pharmaceutically
acceptable vehicle, pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, or the like.

[0436] Non-limiting examples of carriers include any matrix that allows
for transport of, for example, a disinfecting agent across any tissue,
cell membranes, or the like of a biological subject, or that is suitable
for use in contacting a biological subject, or that allows for controlled
release formulations of the compositions disclosed herein. Further
non-limiting examples of carriers include at least one of creams,
liquids, lotions, emulsions, diluents, fluid ointment bases, gels,
organic and inorganic solvents, degradable or non-degradable polymers,
pastes, salves, vesicle, or the like. Further non-limiting examples of
carriers include cyclic oligosaccharides, ethasomes, hydrogels,
liposomes, micelle, microspheres, lipospheres, niosomes, non-ionic
surfactant vesicles, organogels, phospholipid surfactant vesicles,
transfersomes, and virosomes. Further non-limiting examples of
energy-sensitive carriers or the like include electrical
energy-sensitive, light sensitive, pH-sensitive, ion-sensitive, acoustic
energy sensitive, and ultrasonic energy sensitive carriers. Further
non-limiting examples of carriers can be found in, for example, Timko et
al., Remotely Triggerable Drug Delivery Systems. Advanced Materials, n/a.
doi: 10.1002/adma.201002072 (2010); Tsutsui et al., The Use of
Microbubbles to Target Drug Delivery, Cardiovascular Ultrasound, 2:23
doi: 10.1186/1476-7120-2-23 (2004); each of which is incorporated herein
by reference.

[0437] In an embodiment, one or more active agents are carried by
energy-sensitive vesicles (e.g., energy-sensitive cyclic
oligosaccharides, ethasomes, hydrogels, liposomes, micelles,
microspheres, niosomes, lipospheres, non-ionic surfactant vesicles,
organogels, phospholipid surfactant vesicles, transfersomes, virosomes,
or the like). In an embodiment, at least one of the one or more energy
emitters 220 is configured to provide energy of a dose sufficient to
liberate at least a portion of an active agent carried by the
energy-sensitive vesicles.

[0438] In an embodiment, one or more active agents are conjugated to or
encapsulated in one or more remotely triggerable delivery systems
configured for release from the catheter device 102. In an embodiment,
the triggerable delivery system is designed for single release or for
repeated release of one or more active agents. In an embodiment, the
triggered delivery system releases one or more active agents in response
to temperature, electromagnetic radiation (e.g., UV, visible or near
infrared radiation, radiofrequency, microwave, or the like), a magnetic
field, ultrasound, or the like. For example, in an embodiment,
application of electromagnetic radiation, a magnetic field, ultrasound,
or the like can induce a thermal change sufficient for release of one or
more active agents from a temperature-sensitive triggerable delivery
system.

[0439] In an embodiment, the triggerable delivery system includes, among
other things, liposomes, polymer vesicles, polymeric liposomes,
polyelectrolyte microcontainers, multilayered capsules, micelles,
dendrimers, microbubbles, or the like. In an embodiment, polymers are
cross-linked with photolabile groups, allowing active agents to be
released in response to light. An example of a photocleavable molecule
includes among other things 2-nitrobenzyl ester. In an embodiment, one or
more active agents are released from the delivery system by the
reversible isomerization of molecules upon irradiation with near-UV or
visible light. UV irradiation, for example, can induce phase transitions
of natural and synthetic polymers, accompanied by reversible volume
changes, allowing active agents to be released as the polymers shrink or
swell. For example, azobenzenes which contain two phenyl groups and
undergo conformational changes in response to UV light can be used as
part of a molecular valve to control release of one or more active agents
through a channel protein incorporated into liposomes.

[0440] In an embodiment, polymers are combined with magnetic oxide
nanoparticles to form ferrogel materials which deform in response to a
magnetic field, allowing for triggerable release of one or more active
agents. In an embodiment, ferrogel materials include, among other things,
ferrite particles cross-linked to or embedded in poly(vinyl alcohol),
polyNIPAm, or gelatin. In the case of microbubbles, in an embodiment,
ultrasound is used to trigger release of a gas from a stabilizing shell
of lipid or polymer or, under conditions of low frequency, ultrasound can
induce cavitation of microbubbles and disruption of nearby cell membranes
sufficient to allow passage into the cells of co-administered active
agents.

[0441] In an embodiment, the triggerable delivery system includes, among
other things, metallic nanostructures, and particularly gold
nanostructures. In an embodiment, under optical irradiation, electrons
associated with metallic nanostructures oscillate in phase, a phenomenon
referred to as surface plasmon resonance. In their excited state, the
electrons subsequently decay through either radiative (fluorescence),
nonradiative (lattice rearrangement), or photothermal (local heating)
pathways. The specific decay pathway is dependent on the geometry of the
nanoparticles and the nature of the excitation pulse. In an embodiment,
lattice rearrangement and local heating induced in this manner can be
used to trigger delivery of active agents. As a non-limiting example,
gold nanorods can be melted into nanospheres using ultrafast laser
pulses, effectively triggering release of surface-bound active agent as
the gold lattice atoms rearrange. Heterogeneous mixtures of rods or
rodlike structures with distinct geometries and resonant frequencies
enable selective release of multiple ligands. For example, gold
nanocapsules and gold nanorods exhibit SPR longitudinal modes at 800 nm
and 1100 nm, respectively. Pulsed laser irradiation centered at either of
these two resonant frequencies yields selective melting of the
corresponding nanoparticles and selective release of associated active
agents. Weakly bound ligands can also be released by localized heating
below the nanoparticle melting threshold. Gold nanoparticles can also be
configured into nanoshells (i.e., hollow or enclosed solid cores) or
nanocages (i.e., hollow interior and porous walls).

[0442] In an embodiment, the triggerable delivery system includes a
combination of liposomes or polymers and gold nanoparticles. In an
embodiment, gold nanoparticle are combined with temperature-sensitive
polymers for triggered release with near infrared radiation. In an
embodiment, one or more active agents can be incorporated into gold cages
covered with monolayers of heat labile polymer chains, formed by
polymerizing polymers, e.g., n-isopropylacrylamine (NIPAm) and acrylamide
(Am) precursors, with a disulfide initiator, the poly(NIPAm-co-Am) chains
attached to the surface of the gold cages by Au--S linkages, forming a
hydrophobic layer with lower critical solution temperatures tunable
between about 32° C. to about 50° C. In another
non-limiting example, one or more active agents can be co-encapsulated in
liposomes in the presence of gold nanoparticles, the latter of which, in
the presence of near infrared radiation, generate heat sufficient to
disrupt the liposomes.

[0443] In an embodiment, triggerable membranes can be used as walls of
reservoirs, allowing a large quantity of active agent to be contained and
repeatedly released over time. For example, nanocomposite membranes
consisting of a thermosensitive material, e.g., polyNIPAm-based nanogels
and magnetic particles embedded in an ethylcellulose matrix, can be
designed to achieve on-demand drug delivery upon application of an AC
magnetic field. Alternatively, one or more active agents can be released
from magnetically actuated microchips configured with an array of wells
and a biodegradable covering such as, for example, poly-(D,L-lactic
acid). In an embodiment, an active agent can be electrodeposited onto a
thin film in the presence of magnetic oxide, e.g.,
Fe3O4/SiO2, and released in response to a magnetic field.
For further examples of triggerable delivery systems, see e.g., Timko et
al., Remotely Triggerable Drug Delivery Systems. Advanced Materials, n/a.
doi: 10.1002/adma.201002072 (2010); Tsutsui et al., The Use of
Microbubbles to Target Drug Delivery, Cardiovascular Ultrasound,
2:23doi:10.1186/1476-7120-2-23 (2004); each of which is incorporated
herein by reference.

[0444] In an embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes one or more
biological sample reservoirs. In an embodiment, the catheter device 102
includes one or more biological specimen reservoirs. In an embodiment,
the catheter device 102 includes one or more biological sample
reservoirs. In an embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes one or
more active agent assemblies 900 configured to receive one or more
biological samples. In an embodiment, the biological sample reservoir is
placed under the scalp of a user. In an embodiment, the biological sample
reservoir is configured to allow for the removal of biological sample
with a syringe. In an embodiment, the reservoir 902 includes a sensor
component 502 configured to detect, for example, bacteria, cancer cells,
blood, or proteins of a fluid sample received within. In an embodiment,
the reservoir 902 is configured to allow the injection or introduction of
antibiotics for cerebrospinal fluid infection or chemotherapy medication.
In an embodiment, the reservoir 902 includes circuitry configured to
detect at least one physical quantity, environmental attribute, or
physiologic characteristic associated with, for example, a shunting
process.

[0445] In an embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes one or more
active agent assemblies 900 configured to deliver at least one tracer
agent from at least one reservoir 902. In an embodiment, the catheter
device 102 includes one or more active agent assemblies 900 including one
or more tracer agent reservoirs configured to deliver at least one tracer
agent. In an embodiment, the one or more active agent assemblies 900 are
configured to deliver one or more tracer agents. Non-limiting examples of
tracer agents include one or more in vivo clearance agents, magnetic
resonance imaging agents, contrast agents, dye-peptide compositions,
fluorescent dyes, or tissue specific imaging agents. In an embodiment,
the one or more tracer agents include at least one fluorescent dye. In an
embodiment, the one or more tracer agents include indocyanine green.

[0446] In an embodiment, active agent assembly 900 is further configured
to concurrently or sequentially deliver one or more tracer agents and one
or more energy-activatable disinfecting agents. In an embodiment, the
active agent assembly 900 is further configured to deliver one or more
tracer agents for indicating the presence or concentration of one or more
energy-activatable disinfecting agents in at least a region proximate the
catheter device 102. In an embodiment, the active agent assembly 900 is
further configured to deliver one or more tracer agents for indicating
the response of the one or more energy-activatable disinfecting agents to
energy emitted from the one or more energy-emitting emitters 220.

[0447] In an embodiment, at least one of the one or more fluid-flow
passageways 110 includes a photoactive agent. In an embodiment, at least
one of the one or more fluid-flow passageways 110 includes a photoactive
coating material. In an embodiment, at least one of the one or more
fluid-flow passageways 110 includes a light-emitting material configured
to emit ultraviolet light energy in the presence of an energy stimulus.
In an embodiment, at least one of the one or more fluid-flow passageways
110 includes a light-emitting material configured to emit ultraviolet
light energy in the presence of an electrical potential. In an
embodiment, at least one of the one or more fluid-flow passageways 110
includes a photoactive agent having one or more photoabsorption bands in
the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum.

[0448] In an embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes one or more
active agent assemblies 900 configured to deliver one or more ultraviolet
energy absorbing agents from at least one reservoir 902 to one or more
regions proximate the surface of the catheter device 102. In an
embodiment, the catheter device 102 includes one or more energy
waveguides 202 configured to guide an emitted ultraviolet energy stimulus
to one or more regions proximate the surface of the catheter device 102.

[0449] In an embodiment, the reservoir 902 includes at least one
ultraviolet energy absorbing agent having an absorption spectra in a
germicidal light range. In an embodiment, the reservoir 902 includes at
least one ultraviolet energy absorbing agent having an absorption spectra
of about 100 nanometers to about 400 nanometers. In an embodiment, the
one reservoir 902 includes at least one ultraviolet energy absorbing
agent having an absorption spectra of about 100 nanometers to about 290
nanometers. In an embodiment, the reservoir 902 includes at least one
ultraviolet energy absorbing agent having an absorption spectra of about
200 nanometers to about 290 nanometers. In an embodiment, the reservoir
902 includes at least one ultraviolet energy absorbing agent having an
absorption spectra of about 280 nanometers to about 320 nanometers.

[0450] In an embodiment, the reservoir 902 includes at least one
ultraviolet absorbing compound. In an embodiment, the reservoir 902
includes at least one of a nucleotide composition, a nucleoside
composition, and a peptide nucleic acid composition. In an embodiment,
the reservoir 902 includes a synthetic nucleic acid composition. In an
embodiment, the one reservoir 902 includes a composition including at
least one of an ultraviolet-A absorbing agent, an ultraviolet-B absorbing
agent, and an ultraviolet-C absorbing agent. In an embodiment, the
reservoir 902 includes a composition including at least one of
sulisobenzone or thioctic acid. In an embodiment, the reservoir 902
includes a composition including at least one of
2-phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid, cinnamic acid, ferrulic acid,
salicylic acid, or methoxycinnamic acid.

[0451] FIGS. 10A and 10B show an example of a method 1000 of inhibiting a
microbial colonization of an implanted or at least partially implanted
catheter device 102. At 1010, the method 1000 includes generating an
evanescent electromagnetic field proximate one or more regions of at
least one of an outer surface 106 or an inner surface 108 of a body
structure 104 defining at least one fluid-flow passageway of the at least
partially implanted catheter device 102 based on an automatically
detected spectral parameter associated with a region proximate the at
least one of the outer surface 106 or the inner surface 108 of the body
structure 104 defining the at least one fluid-flow passageway 110.

[0452] At 1012, generating the evanescent electromagnetic field includes
generating a spatially patterned evanescent electromagnetic field. At
1014, generating the evanescent electromagnetic field includes generating
a spatially patterned evanescent electromagnetic field having at least a
first region and a second region, the second region having at least one
of a polarization, an intensity, a phase, an amplitude, a pulse
frequency, or a spectral power distribution different from the first
region. At 1016, generating the evanescent electromagnetic field includes
generating a temporally patterned evanescent electromagnetic field. At
1018, generating the evanescent electromagnetic field includes generating
a temporally patterned evanescent electromagnetic field having at least a
first-in-time pattern and a second-in-time pattern, the second-in-time
pattern having at least one of a polarization, an intensity, an
amplitude, a phase, a wave vector (k), a pulse frequency, or a spectral
power distribution different from the first-in-time pattern.

[0453] At 1020, generating the evanescent electromagnetic field includes
generating a spatially patterned evanescent electromagnetic field
proximate the one or more surface regions of the catheter device 102
based on a detected fluorescence. At 1022, generating the evanescent
electromagnetic field includes generating an interference pattern via two
or more evanescent electromagnetic fields proximate the one or more
surface regions of the catheter device 102 based on a detected
fluorescence. At 1024, generating the evanescent electromagnetic field
includes generating a spatially patterned evanescent electromagnetic
field proximate the one or more surface regions of the catheter device
102 based on a detected impedance. At 1026, generating the evanescent
electromagnetic field includes generating a spatially patterned
evanescent electromagnetic field proximate the one or more surface
regions of the catheter device 102 based on a detected optical
reflectance. At 1028, generating the evanescent electromagnetic field
includes generating a spatially patterned evanescent electromagnetic
field proximate the one or more surface regions of the catheter device
102 based on a detected heat transfer.

[0454] At 1030, generating the evanescent electromagnetic field includes
generating a spatially patterned evanescent electromagnetic field
proximate the one or more surface regions of the catheter device 102
based on a detected metabolic product associated with a biofilm. At 1032,
generating the evanescent electromagnetic field includes generating a
spatially patterned evanescent electromagnetic field proximate the one or
more surface regions of the catheter device 102 based on a detected
radiation associated with a biofilm. At 1034, generating the evanescent
electromagnetic field includes generating a spatially patterned
evanescent electromagnetic field proximate the one or more surface
regions of the catheter device 102 in response to a change to a
refractive index property of a plasmon supporting surface region. At
1036, generating the evanescent electromagnetic field includes generating
a spatially patterned evanescent electromagnetic field proximate the one
or more surface regions of the catheter device 102 based on a detected
acoustic wave associated with changes in a biological sample proximate at
least one of the outer surface 106 or the inner surface 108 of the body
structure 104. At 1038, generating the evanescent electromagnetic field
includes generating a spatially patterned evanescent electromagnetic
field proximate the one or more surface regions of the catheter device
102 based on a detected differential optical absorption associated with a
biological sample proximate at least one of the outer surface 106 or the
inner surface 108 of the body structure 104.

[0455] At 1040, generating the evanescent electromagnetic field includes
generating a spatially patterned evanescent electromagnetic field
proximate one or more surface regions of the catheter device 102
determined to have a microbial colonization. At 1042, generating the
evanescent electromagnetic field includes generating a spatially
patterned evanescent electromagnetic field at a dose sufficient to
modulate a microbial colonization proximate a surface of the catheter
device 102. At 1044, generating the evanescent electromagnetic field
includes generating a spatially patterned evanescent electromagnetic
field at a dose sufficient to modulate microbial activity proximate a
surface of the at least partially implanted catheter device 102.

[0456] FIG. 11 shows an example of a method 1100 of modulating microbial
activity proximate a surface of an at least partially implanted catheter
device 102.

[0457] At 1110, the method 1100 includes generating a spatially patterned
evanescent electromagnetic field proximate one or more surface regions of
the at least partially implanted catheter device 102 based on a detected
change to a refractive index property associated with the one or more
surface regions of the at least partially implanted catheter. At 1112,
generating the spatially patterned evanescent electromagnetic field
includes providing an evanescent electromagnetic field of a dose
sufficient to modulate a microbial colonization process proximate one or
more surface regions of the at least partially implanted catheter
exhibiting a change to a refractive index property. At 1114, generating
the spatially patterned evanescent electromagnetic field includes
propagating an electromagnetic energy stimulus along one or more
electromagnetic energy waveguides 202 on at least one of the one or more
surface regions of the at least partially implanted catheter, the one or
more electromagnetic energy waveguides 202 configured to generate an
evanescent electromagnetic field proximate a surface of the one or more
electromagnetic energy waveguides 202.

[0458] At 1116, generating the spatially patterned evanescent
electromagnetic field includes generating at least a first evanescent
electromagnetic field and a second evanescent electromagnetic field
proximate a surface of the one or more electromagnetic energy waveguides
202. In an embodiment, the second evanescent electromagnetic field
includes at least one of a polarization, an intensity, an amplitude, a
phase, a wave vector (k), a pulse frequency, or a spectral power
distribution different from the first evanescent electromagnetic field.

[0459] At 1118, generating the spatially patterned evanescent
electromagnetic field includes propagating an electromagnetic energy
stimulus along one or more electromagnetic energy waveguides 202
proximate one or more surface regions of the at least partially implanted
catheter exhibiting a change to a refractive index property. At 1120,
generating the spatially patterned evanescent electromagnetic field
includes propagating an electromagnetic energy stimulus along one or more
substantially total-internal-reflection waveguides proximate one or more
surface regions of the at least partially implanted catheter exhibiting a
change to a refractive index property. At 1122, generating the spatially
patterned evanescent electromagnetic field includes generating an
evanescent electromagnetic field on two or more surface regions of the at
least partially implanted catheter device 102, the evanescent
electromagnetic field of a dose sufficient to modulate a microbial
colonization process at the two or more surface regions of the at least
partially implanted catheter device 102.

[0461] At 1212, selectively energizing the plurality of regions includes
energetically interrogating those regions determined to have a microbial
colonization based on the real-time detected information. At 1214,
selectively energizing the plurality of regions includes energetically
interrogating those regions determined to have a microbial colonization
with a temporally patterned sterilizing-energy stimulus. At 1216,
selectively energizing the plurality of regions includes energetically
interrogating those regions determined to have a microbial colonization
with a spatially patterned sterilizing-energy stimulus.

[0462] At 1218, selectively energizing the plurality of regions includes
energetically interrogating those regions determined to have a microbial
colonization based on the real-time detected change to a refractive index
property. At 1220, selectively energizing the plurality of regions
includes energetically interrogating one or more regions proximate at
least one of an inner surface or an outer surface of the implanted
portion of a catheter determined to have a microbial colonization based
on the real-time detected information. At 1222, selectively energizing
the plurality of regions includes directing an emitted energy stimulus
via one or more selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a to one or
more regions determined to have a microbial colonization. At 1224,
selectively energizing the plurality of regions includes controllably
bending one or more portions of an optical waveguide to controllably emit
light from one or more portions of a surface of the optical waveguide.

[0463] At 1226, selectively energizing the plurality of regions includes
energetically interrogating the one or more regions proximate the surface
of the implanted portion of the catheter device 102 with an
electromagnetic energy stimulus having a peak emission wavelength ranging
from about 100 nanometers to about 400 nanometers. At 1228, selectively
energizing the plurality of regions includes energetically interrogating
the one or more regions proximate the surface of the implanted portion of
the catheter device 102 with an electromagnetic energy stimulus having a
peak emission wavelength ranging from about 100 nanometers to about 320
nanometers.

[0464] At 1230, selectively energizing the plurality of regions includes
energetically interrogating the one or more regions proximate the surface
of the implanted portion of the catheter device 102 with an
electromagnetic energy stimulus having a peak emission wavelength ranging
from about 280 nanometers to about 320 nanometers. At 1232, selectively
energizing the plurality of regions includes energetically interrogating
the one or more regions proximate the surface of the implanted portion of
the catheter device 102 with an energy stimulus having an average
integrated flux of less than about 80 milli-joules per square centimeter.

[0465] At 1234, selectively energizing the plurality of regions includes
energetically interrogating the one or more regions proximate the surface
of the implanted portion of the catheter device 102 with electrical
energy. At 1236, selectively energizing the plurality of regions includes
energetically interrogating the one or more regions proximate the surface
of the implanted portion of the catheter device 102 with ultrasonic
energy. At 1238, selectively energizing the plurality of regions includes
energetically interrogating the one or more regions proximate the surface
of the implanted portion of the catheter device 102 with thermal energy.

[0466] At 1240, selectively energizing the plurality of regions includes
energetically interrogating the one or more regions proximate the surface
of the implanted portion of the catheter device 102 with an energy
stimulus having an average integrated flux of less than about 35
milli-joules per square centimeter. At 1242, selectively energizing the
plurality of regions includes energetically interrogating the one or more
regions proximate the surface of the implanted portion of the catheter
device 102 with an energy stimulus having an average integrated flux of
less than about 15 milli joules per square centimeter. At 1244,
selectively energizing the plurality of regions includes energetically
interrogating the one or more regions proximate the surface of the
implanted portion of the catheter device 102 with an energy stimulus
having an average energy density ranging from about 15 milli-joules per
square centimeter to about less than about 80 milli-joules per square
centimeter.

[0467] At 1250, the method 1200 includes determining a microbial
colonization score in response to real-time detected information. At
1260, the method 1200 includes energetically interrogating the one or
more regions proximate the surface of the implanted portion of the
catheter device 102 based on the determined microbial colonization score.

[0468] FIG. 13 shows an example of a method 1300 of a method of inhibiting
biofilm formation in a catheter device 102.

[0469] At 1310, the method 1300 includes actuating one or more selectively
actuatable energy waveguides 202a of a catheter device 102 in response to
an in vivo detected change in a refractive index parameter associated
with a biological sample proximate an outer surface or an inner surface
of the catheter device 102.

[0470] At 1312, actuating the one or more selectively actuatable energy
waveguides 202a includes energizing one or more computing devices 230 to
provide a control signal to actuate at least one of the one or more
selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a between an optically
transmissive state and an optically non-transmissive state.

[0471] At 1314, actuating the one or more selectively actuatable energy
waveguides 202a includes causing at least one of the one or more
selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a to emit a sterilizing
energy stimulus based on a target change in the refractive index
parameter.

[0472] At 1316, actuating the one or more selectively actuatable energy
waveguides 202a includes propagating electromagnetic energy in at least
one of the one or more selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a
having a portion proximate the outer surface 106 or the inner surface 108
of the catheter device 102 having a threshold level change to an a
refractive index parameter.

[0473] At 1320, the method 1300 includes providing a spatially patterned
energy stimulus to one or more regions proximate the outer surface or the
inner surface of the catheter device 102.

[0474] At 1322, providing the spatially patterned energy stimulus includes
providing a spatially patterned energy stimulus having at least a first
region and a second region different from the first region. In an
embodiment, the first regions comprises one of a spatially patterned
electromagnetic energy stimulus, a spatially patterned electrical energy
stimulus, a spatially patterned ultrasonic energy stimulus, or a
spatially patterned thermal energy stimulus, or the second region
comprises a different one of a spatially patterned electromagnetic energy
stimulus, a spatially patterned electrical energy stimulus, a spatially
patterned ultrasonic energy stimulus, or a spatially patterned thermal
energy stimulus.

[0475] At 1324, providing the spatially patterned energy stimulus includes
providing an illumination pattern comprising at least a first region and
a second region. In an embodiment, the second region having at least one
of an emission intensity, an emission phase, an emission polarization, or
an emission wavelength different from the first region. At 1326,
providing the spatially patterned energy stimulus includes applying a
voltage to two or more regions proximate at least one of the outer
surface or the inner surface of the catheter device 102, the voltage of a
dose sufficient to exceed a nominal dielectric strength of a cell plasma
membrane. At 1328, providing the spatially patterned energy stimulus
includes concurrently or sequentially providing at least a first energy
stimulus and a second energy stimulus the second energy stimulus
different from the first energy stimulus. In an embodiment, the first
energy stimulus comprises one of an electromagnetic energy stimulus, an
electrical energy stimulus, an ultrasonic energy stimulus, or a thermal
energy stimulus, and the second energy stimulus comprises a different one
of an electromagnetic energy stimulus, an electrical energy stimulus, an
ultrasonic energy stimulus, or a thermal energy stimulus.

[0476] FIG. 14 shows an example of a method 1400 of method of inhibiting
biofilm formation. At 1410, the method 1400 includes actuating one or
more surface regions of a catheter device 102 between at least a first
wettability state and a second wettability state in response to a
detected event associate with a microbial colonization proximate the one
or more surface regions of a catheter device 102. At 1412, actuating the
one or more surface regions of the catheter device 102 includes
irradiating a photoactive coating with optical energy to change a surface
functionality. At 1414, actuating the one or more surface regions of the
catheter device 102 includes electrostatically changing a surface
morphology of the one or more surface regions. At 1416, actuating the one
or more surface regions of the catheter device 102 includes applying an
electric potential to the one or more surface regions of a sufficient
strength and duration to affect a liquid/solid interface fraction. At
1418, actuating the one or more surface regions of the catheter device
102 includes applying an electric potential to the one or more surface
regions of a sufficient strength and duration to actuate a surface
morphology change in the one or more surface regions.

[0477] At 1420, actuating the one or more surface regions of the catheter
device 102 includes applying an electric potential to a conductive
polymer thin film laminate having a plurality of movable polymer
microstructures. In an embodiment, the electric potential is sufficient
to displace a plurality of movable polymer microstructures relative to an
outer surface of the conductive polymer thin film laminate. At 1422,
actuating the one or more surface regions of the catheter device 102
includes electro-chemically switching between the first wettability state
and the second wettability state in the presence of an ultraviolet
energy. At 1424, actuating the one or more surface regions of the
catheter device 102 includes UV-manipulating the one or more surface
regions between the first wettability state and the second wettability
state. At 1426, actuating the one or more surface regions of the catheter
device 102 includes photo-chemically switching the one or more surface
regions between a substantially hydrophobic state and a substantially
hydrophilic state. At 1428, actuating the one or more surface regions of
the catheter device 102 includes electrically actuating the one or more
surface regions between a substantially hydrophobic state and a
substantially hydrophilic state

[0478] At 1430, actuating the one or more surface regions of the catheter
device 102 includes UV-manipulating at least one ZnO nano-rod film,
coating, or material between the first wettability state and the second
wettability state. At 1432, actuating the one or more surface regions of
the catheter device 102 includes energetically controllably actuating the
one or more surface regions between a substantially hydrophobic state and
a substantially hydrophilic state. At 1434, actuating the one or more
surface regions of the catheter device 102 includes energetically
controllably actuating the one or more surface regions between at least a
first hydrophilic state and a second hydrophilic state. At 1436,
actuating the one or more surface regions of the catheter device 102
includes energetically controllably actuating the one or more surface
regions between a hydrophobic state and a hydrophilic state. At 1438,
actuating the one or more surface regions of the catheter device 102
includes switching the one or more surface regions between a zwitterionic
state and a non-zwitterionic state.

[0479] FIG. 15 shows an example of a method 1500 of inhibiting a microbial
colonization of a surface of a catheter device 102.

[0480] At 1510, the method 1500 includes selectively energizing one or
more regions proximate at least one of an outer surface 106 or an inner
surface 108 of the implanted portion of the catheter device 102 via one
or more energy-emitting components. In an embodiment, the method includes
selectively energizing one or more regions proximate at least one of an
outer surface 106 or an inner surface 108 of an implanted portion of the
catheter device 102 via one or more energy-emitting components in
response to an automatically detected measurand associated with
biological sample proximate at least one of the outer surface or the
inner surface of the implanted portion of the catheter device 102. At
1512, selectively energizing the one or more regions includes delivering
an electromagnetic energy stimulus to one or more regions proximate the
catheter device 102 determined to have an infectious agent presence, the
electromagnetic energy stimulus at a dose sufficient to modulate an
activity of the infectious agent. At 1514, selectively energizing the one
or more regions includes delivering at least one of an electromagnetic
energy stimulus, an electrical energy stimulus, an ultrasonic energy
stimulus, or a thermal energy stimulus in response to automatically
detected measurand associated with biological sample proximate the at
least one of the outer surface or the inner surface of the implanted
portion of the catheter device 102.

[0481] At 1516, selectively energizing the one or more regions includes
delivering at least a first energy stimulus and a second energy stimulus
to the one or more regions. In an embodiment, the second energy stimulus
having at least one of an emission intensity, an emission phase, an
emission polarization, or an emission wavelength different from the first
energy stimulus. At 1518, selectively energizing the one or more regions
includes concurrently or sequentially delivering at least a first energy
stimulus to a first region and a second energy stimulus to a second
region. At 1520, selectively energizing the one or more regions includes
concurrently or sequentially delivering at least a first spatially
patterned energy stimulus to a first region and a second spatially
patterned energy stimulus to a second region. At 1522, selectively
energizing the one or more regions includes delivering a temporally
patterned energy stimulus to the one or more regions. At 1524,
selectively energizing the one or more regions includes concurrently or
sequentially delivering a first energy stimulus to at least a first
region and a second energy stimulus to at least a second region. In an
embodiment, the first energy stimulus comprises one of an electromagnetic
energy stimulus, an electrical energy stimulus, an ultrasonic energy
stimulus, or a thermal energy stimulus, and the second energy stimulus
comprises a different one of an electromagnetic energy stimulus, an
electrical energy stimulus, an ultrasonic energy stimulus, or a thermal
energy stimulus.

[0482] At 1530, the method 1500 includes delivering an active agent
composition to the one or more regions proximate the catheter device 102
via one or more active agent assemblies 900. In an embodiment, the method
includes delivering an active agent composition to the one or more
regions proximate the catheter device 102 via one or more active agent
assemblies 900 in response to an automatically detected measurand
associated with biological sample proximate the catheter device 102. At
1532, delivering the active agent composition includes delivering an
antimicrobial agent composition at a dose sufficient to attenuate an
activity of the infectious agent in response to automatically detected
measurand associated with the biological sample. At 1534, delivering the
active agent composition includes delivering an energy-activatable
antimicrobial agent composition including at least one photoactive agent,
or a metabolic precursor thereof. At 1536, delivering the active agent
composition includes delivering an energy-activatable antimicrobial agent
composition including at least one X-ray absorber. At 1538, delivering
the active agent composition includes delivering an energy-activatable
antimicrobial agent composition including at least one radiation
absorber. At 1540, delivering the active agent composition includes
delivering an energy-activatable antimicrobial agent composition
including at least one active agent that selectively targets bacteria. At
1542, delivering the active agent composition includes delivering a
superoxide-forming composition.

[0483] At 1544, delivering the active agent composition includes
delivering the active agent composition prior to selectively energizing
the one or more regions. In an embodiment, the method includes
selectively energizing one or more regions proximate at least one of an
outer surface 106 or an inner surface 108 of the implanted portion of the
catheter device 102 via one or more energy-emitting components, and
delivering an active agent composition to the one or more regions
proximate at least one of an outer surface 106 or an inner surface 108 of
the implanted portion of the catheter device 102 via one or more active
agent assemblies, in response to an automatically detected measurand
associated with biological sample proximate at least one of the outer
surface or the inner surface of the implanted portion of the catheter
device 102.

[0484] FIG. 16 shows an example of a method 1600. At 1610, the method 1600
includes concurrently or sequentially delivering to one or more regions
proximate a surface of a catheter device 102 a spatially patterned
sterilizing energy stimulus via a plurality of independently activatable
ultraviolet energy delivering substrates 802. In an embodiment, the
independently activatable ultraviolet energy delivering substrates 802
are configured to independently activate in response to a real-time
detected measurand associated with a biological sample within the one or
more regions proximate the surface of the catheter device 102. At 1612,
concurrently or sequentially delivering to one or more regions proximate
the surface of the catheter device 102 the spatially patterned
sterilizing energy stimulus includes delivering a temporally patterned
evanescent electromagnetic field stimulus having at least a first-in-time
pattern and a second-in-time pattern. In an embodiment, the
second-in-time pattern includes at least one of a polarization, an
intensity, an amplitude, a phase, a wave vector (k), a pulse frequency,
or a spectral power distribution different from the first-in-time
pattern.

[0485] FIG. 17 shows an example of a method 1700. At 1710, the method 1700
includes concurrently or sequentially delivering to one or more regions
proximate a surface of a catheter device 102 a temporally patterned
sterilizing energy stimulus via a plurality of independently activatable
ultraviolet energy delivering substrates 802 configured to independently
activate in response to a real-time detected measurand associated with at
least one of temporal metabolite information or spatial metabolite
information associated with a biological sample within the one or more
regions proximate the surface of the catheter device 102.

[0486] FIG. 18 shows an example of a method 1800. At 1810, the method 1800
includes automatically comparing one or more characteristics communicated
from an implanted catheter device 102 to stored reference data, the one
or more characteristics including at least one of information associated
with a microbial colonization proximate an outer surface or an inner
surface of the implanted catheter device 102, information associated with
an infection marker detected proximate an outer surface or an inner
surface of the implanted catheter device 102, or information associated
with a sample (e.g., a fluid, a biological sample, or the like) received
within one or more fluid-flow passageways of the implanted catheter
device 102. At 1812, automatically comparing the one or more
characteristics communicated from an implanted catheter device 102 to
stored reference data includes comparing, via circuitry forming part of
the implanted catheter device 102, one or more characteristics
communicated from an implanted catheter device 102 to stored reference
data.

[0487] At 1820, the method 1800 includes initiating a treatment protocol
based at least in part on the comparison. At 1822, initiating the
treatment protocol includes generating a spatially patterned evanescent
electromagnetic field proximate the at least one of the outer surface and
the inner surface of implanted catheter device 102 based at least in part
on the comparison. At 1824, initiating the treatment protocol includes
selectively energizing one or more regions proximate at least one of an
outer surface 106 or an inner surface 108 of the implanted shunt device
via one or more energy-emitters based at least in part on the comparison.
At 1826, initiating the treatment protocol includes actuating one or more
selectively actuatable energy waveguides 202a of the implanted catheter
device 102 based at least in part on the comparison indicative of the
presence of an infection proximate the implanted catheter device 102. At
1828, initiating the treatment protocol includes delivering an effective
dose of optical energy at which a cell preferentially undergoes apoptosis
compared to necrosis.

[0488] At 1830, initiating the treatment protocol includes delivering an
effective dose of thermal energy at which a cell preferentially undergoes
apoptosis compared to necrosis. At 1832, initiating the treatment
protocol includes delivering an ultraviolet radiation at a dose
sufficient to induce program cell death. At 1834, initiating the
treatment protocol includes delivering a dose of an ultraviolet radiation
based at least in part on the comparison indicating a presence of an
infectious agent near or on the implanted catheter device 102. At 1836,
initiating the treatment protocol includes delivering an electromagnetic
energy stimulus of a character and for a sufficient time to induce
apoptosis without substantially inducing necrosis of an infectious agent
proximate at least one of the outer surface or the inner surface of the
implanted catheter device 102. At 1838, initiating the treatment protocol
includes concurrently or sequentially delivering two or more energy
stimuli to at least one of the outer surface or the inner surface of the
implanted catheter device 102 based at least in part on a comparison
indicating a presence of a microbial event near or on the implanted
catheter device 102. At 1840, initiating the treatment protocol includes
activating an authorization protocol, activating an authentication
protocol, activating an energy stimulus protocol, activating an active
agent delivery protocol, or activating an infection sterilization
protocol based at least in part on the comparison.

[0489] At 1850, the method 1800 includes selectively energizing one or
more regions proximate the surface on the implanted portion of the
catheter device 102 via one or more energy-emitting components based at
least in part on the comparison. At 1860, the method 1800 includes
selectively energizing one or more regions proximate the surface on the
implanted portion of the catheter device 102 via one or more selectively
actuatable energy waveguides configured to direct an emitted energy
stimulus to one or more regions proximate at least one of the outer
surface 106 or the inner surface 108 of the body structure 104. At 1870,
the method 1800 includes selectively energizing one or more regions
proximate the surface on the implanted portion of the catheter device 102
determined to have a microbial colonization based at least in part on the
comparison.

[0490] FIG. 19 shows an example of a method 1900. At 1910, the method 1900
includes electronically comparing one or more characteristics
communicated from an implanted catheter device 102 to stored reference
data, the one or more characteristics including at least one of an in
vivo detected microbial colonization presence proximate a surface of the
catheter device 102, an in vivo real-time detected infection marker
presence proximate a surface of the catheter device 102, in vivo detected
measurand associated with a biofilm-specific tag, and a real-time
obtained measurand associated with a microbial colonization presence
proximate the catheter device 102. At 1920, the method 1900 includes
initiating a treatment protocol based at least in part on the comparison.

[0491] FIG. 20 shows an example of a method 2000 of inhibiting biofilm
formation in catheter device 102. At 2010, the method 2000 includes
acoustically modulating one or more internally reflecting optical
waveguides so as to partially emit an electromagnetic energy propagating
within the one or more internally reflecting optical waveguides through
at least one of an outer surface 106 or an inner surface 108 of the
catheter device 102. At 2012, acoustically modulating the one or more
internally reflecting optical waveguides includes applying an acoustic
energy stimulus to the one or more internally reflecting optical
waveguides of a character and for a sufficient duration to affect at
least one of an index of refraction and a physical dimension of the one
or more internally reflecting optical waveguides. At 2014, acoustically
modulating the one or more internally reflecting optical waveguides
includes acoustically modifying an index of refraction of at least one of
the one or more internally reflecting optical waveguides so as to
modulate an electromagnetic energy propagating within the one or more
total-internal-reflection waveguides. At 2016, acoustically modulating
the one or more internally reflecting optical waveguides includes
deforming at least one of the one or more internally reflecting optical
waveguides in response to an acoustic stimulus. In an embodiment, the
acoustic stimulus is of a character and for a duration sufficient to
cause the at least one of the one or more internally reflecting optical
waveguides to emit a portion of the electromagnetic energy internally
reflected within.

[0492] At 2020, the method 2000 includes selectively actuating one or more
optical waveguides so as to partially emit an electromagnetic energy
propagating within the one or more optical waveguides through at least
one of an outer surface 106 or an inner surface 108 of the catheter
device 102 in response to real-time detected information associated with
a microbial colonization in one or more regions proximate at least one of
an outer surface or an inner surface of the catheter device 102.

[0493] FIG. 21 shows an example of a method 2100. At 2110, the method 2100
includes detecting a measurand associated with a microbial presence
proximate at a surface of a catheter device 102 using an interrogation
energy having a first peak emission wavelength. At 2120, the method 1900
includes delivering a sterilizing stimulus having a second peak emission
wavelength different from the first peak emission wavelength to one or
more regions proximate the surface on the catheter device 102 in response
to the detecting a measurand.

[0494] FIG. 22 shows an example of a method 2200. At 2210, the method 2200
includes real-time monitoring of a plurality of portions of a catheter
device 102 for a microbial colonization by detecting spectral information
associated with an interrogating stimulus having a first peak emission
wavelength. At 2220, the method 2200 includes delivering a sterilizing
stimulus having a second peak emission wavelength different from the
first peak emission wavelength to select ones of the plurality of
portions of the catheter device 102 based on a determined microbial
colonization score.

[0495] FIG. 23 shows an example of a method 2300. At 2310, the method 2300
includes real-time monitoring at least one of an outer surface 106 or an
inner surface 108 of an indwelling portion of a catheter device 102 for a
microbial colonization by detecting spectral information associated with
an interrogating stimulus having a first peak emission wavelength, the
interrogating stimulus delivered to one or more region proximate the at
least one of the outer surface or the inner surface of an indwelling
portion of a catheter device 102.

[0496] At 2320, the method 2300 includes determining a microbial
colonization score for the one or more region proximate the at least one
of the outer surface or the inner surface of an indwelling portion of a
catheter device 102 in response to detecting spectral information. At
2330, the method 2300 includes selective-delivering a sterilizing
stimulus having a second peak emission wavelength different from the
first peak emission wavelength to at least one of the one or more region
proximate the at least one of the outer surface or the inner surface of
an indwelling portion of a catheter device 102 based on a determined
microbial colonization score.

[0497] FIG. 24 shows an example of a method 2400. At 2410, the method 2400
includes delivering an ultraviolet energy absorbing composition to one or
more regions proximate a surface of a catheter device 102 prior to
delivering a patterned energy stimulus to the one or more regions based
on a detected measurand associated with biological sample proximate the
one or more regions. At 2420, the method 2400 includes delivering a
sterilizing ultraviolet energy stimulus to select ones of the one or more
regions based on the detected measurand.

[0498] FIG. 25 shows an example of a method 2500. At 2510, the method 2500
includes delivering an ultraviolet energy absorbing composition to one or
more regions proximate at least one of an outer surface 106 or an inner
surface 108 of an implanted portion of a catheter device 102 prior to
selectively energizing the one or more regions in response to a real-time
detected spectral information associated with a microbial presence within
the one or more regions.

[0499] At least a portion of the devices and/or processes described herein
can be integrated into a data processing system. A data processing system
generally includes one or more of a system unit housing, a video display
device, memory such as volatile or non-volatile memory, processors such
as microprocessors or digital signal processors, computational entities
such as operating systems, drivers, graphical user interfaces, and
applications programs, one or more interaction devices (e.g., a touch
pad, a touch screen, an antenna, etc.), and/or control systems including
feedback loops and control motors (e.g., feedback for detecting position
and/or velocity, control motors for moving and/or adjusting components
and/or quantities). A data processing system can be implemented utilizing
suitable commercially available components, such as those typically found
in data computing/communication and/or network computing/communication
systems.

[0500] The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates different
components contained within, or connected with, different other
components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are
merely examples, and that in fact, many other architectures can be
implemented that achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense,
any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is
effectively "associated" such that the desired functionality is achieved.
Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular
functionality can be seen as "associated with" each other such that the
desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or
intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can
also be viewed as being "operably connected", or "operably coupled," to
each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components
capable of being so associated can also be viewed as being "operably
coupleable," to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific
examples of operably coupleable include, but are not limited to,
physically mateable and/or physically interacting components, and/or
wirelessly interactable, and/or wirelessly interacting components, and/or
logically interacting, and/or logically interactable components.

[0502] The foregoing detailed description has set forth various
embodiments of the devices and/or processes via the use of block
diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams,
flowcharts, and/or examples contain one or more functions and/or
operations, it will be understood by the reader that each function and/or
operation within such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be
implemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of
hardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof.
Further, the use of "Start," "End," or "Stop" blocks in the block
diagrams is not intended to indicate a limitation on the beginning or end
of any functions in the diagram. Such flowcharts or diagrams may be
incorporated into other flowcharts or diagrams where additional functions
are performed before or after the functions shown in the diagrams of this
application. In an embodiment, several portions of the subject matter
described herein is implemented via Application Specific Integrated
Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), digital signal
processors (DSPs), or other integrated formats. However, some aspects of
the embodiments disclosed herein, in whole or in part, can be
equivalently implemented in integrated circuits, as one or more computer
programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as one or more programs
running on one or more computer systems), as one or more programs running
on one or more processors (e.g., as one or more programs running on one
or more microprocessors), as firmware, or as virtually any combination
thereof, and that designing the circuitry and/or writing the code for the
software and or firmware would be well within the skill of one of skill
in the art in light of this disclosure. In addition, the mechanisms of
the subject matter described herein are capable of being distributed as a
program product in a variety of forms, and that an illustrative
embodiment of the subject matter described herein applies regardless of
the particular type of signal-bearing medium used to actually carry out
the distribution. Non-limiting examples of a signal-bearing medium
include the following: a recordable type medium such as a floppy disk, a
hard disk drive, a Compact Disc (CD), a Digital Video Disk (DVD), a
digital tape, a computer memory, etc.; and a transmission type medium
such as a digital and/or an analog communication medium (e.g., a fiber
optic cable, a waveguide, a wired communications link, a wireless
communication link (e.g., transmitter, receiver, transmission logic,
reception logic, etc.), etc.).

[0503] While particular aspects of the present subject matter described
herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to the reader
that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications can be
made without departing from the subject matter described herein and its
broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass
within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the
true spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. In general,
terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of
the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the
term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to,"
the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term
"includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to,"
etc.). Further, if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is
intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in
the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as
an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage
of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce
claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be
construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the
indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing
such introduced claim recitation to claims containing only one such
recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases
"one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or
"an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at
least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite
articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a
specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited,
such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the
recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without
other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more
recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention
analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such
a construction is intended in the sense of the convention (e.g., "a
system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be
limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together,
A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.).
In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B,
or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the
sense of the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or
C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B
alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together,
and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). Typically a disjunctive word and/or
phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the
description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the
possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both
terms unless context dictates otherwise. For example, the phrase "A or B"
will be typically understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B"
or "A and B."

[0504] With respect to the appended claims, the operations recited therein
generally may be performed in any order. Also, although various
operational flows are presented in a sequence(s), it should be understood
that the various operations may be performed in orders other than those
that are illustrated, or may be performed concurrently. Examples of such
alternate orderings includes overlapping, interleaved, interrupted,
reordered, incremental, preparatory, supplemental, simultaneous, reverse,
or other variant orderings, unless context dictates otherwise.
Furthermore, terms like "responsive to," "related to," or other
past-tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such
variants, unless context dictates otherwise.

[0505] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein,
other aspects and embodiments are contemplated. The various aspects and
embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not
intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated
by the following claims.